Cisco · 1 week ago
Hardware Engineer
Milpitas, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$136K/yr - $193K/yr
3+ years expCisco is a leading technology company revolutionizing data and infrastructure connectivity. The Firewall Hardware Team is seeking a skilled FPGA Design Engineer to manage and implement complex digital modules, focusing on high-performance hardware solutions to protect networks from cyber threats.
Communications InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareHardwareSoftware
Responsibilities
Take ownership of complex FPGA sub-modules, from micro-architecture definition to RTL implementation using Verilog/SystemVerilog or VHDL
Actively optimize designs for performance (high clock speed), area utilization, and power consumption, particularly for large, resource-intensive blocks (e.g., DSP pipelines, memory controllers)
Independently apply and analyze timing constraints, resolve critical timing paths, and successfully achieve timing closure for major functional blocks within the FPGA
Develop and enhance functional testbenches, verification components, and behavioral models to ensure thorough testing of assigned blocks; participate in formal design and code reviews
Integrate developed IP cores and third-party modules (e.g., PCIe, AXI, DDR) into the top-level FPGA design; actively define interfaces between the FPGA and other system components (e.g., CPU, memory, sensors)
Lead debugging efforts during lab integration and board bring-up using advanced tools like Integrated Logic Analyzer (ILA), high-speed oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
Utilize Python and Tcl scripting to automate routine tasks within the synthesis/simulation flow and improve overall design efficiency
Qualification
Required
3+ years of experience with a Masters' degree or 5+ years of experience with a Bachelors' degree. Experience expected to be in ASIC/FPGA design
Proficiency in end-to-end FPGA development process
Hands-on experience with EDA tools such as VCS, Spyglass, and nLint
Expertise in verifying complex blocks, clusters, and top-level designs
Practical knowledge of System Verilog constraints, structures, and classes
Familiarity with TCL and/or Python scripting for automation tasks
Preferred
Strong domain expertise in one or more protocols, including PCIe, Ethernet, DMA, and DDR
In-depth knowledge of L2/L3/L4 networking protocols such as IPSec/DTLS, TLS, TCP/IP/UDP, and a deep understanding of cryptography technologies and algorithms such as AES-GCM/CBC, EDCHE RSA 2k, etc
A structured approach to design and effective problem-solving skills
Experience in x86 and ARM-based board design
Expertise in Ethernet interface design across various speeds (1G/10G/40G/100G/400G)
Benefits
Medical, dental and vision insurance
A 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
Flexible vacation time off program
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
Annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies
Company
Cisco
Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products. It is a sub-organization of Cisco Press.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Cisco has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1238)
2024 (1231)
2023 (1273)
2022 (2127)
2021 (1991)
2020 (1173)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown1990-02-13IPO
Leadership Team
Chuck Robbins
Chair and CEO
Carl Solder
Chief Technology Officer - Cisco System Australia/New Zealand
Recent News
2026-01-14
2026-01-14
2026-01-14
Company data provided by crunchbase