Diagnostic Engineer Technical Leader

Join the Cisco Hardware Engineering Team, a group of dedicated experts committed to designing and developing advanced technology that drives global connectivity. As part of this team, you will work alongside innovators, problem solvers, and collaborators to create robust hardware solutions that meet the dynamic needs of modern networks. We value innovation, quality, and collaboration, and are committed to pioneering new technologies that deliver exceptional products, empowering global communication and connectivity. If you're passionate about shaping the future of connectivity, we invite you to be part of our team.

We are seeking a Hardware Diagnostic Engineer Tech Lead to develop and optimize hardware diagnostic utilities for complex systems, including CPU, memory, Ethernet switches, and high-speed I/O interfaces. This role will also drive hardware data-path offloading initiatives and lead advancements in crypto engine technologies such as PKI and PQC. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hardware validation, performance optimization, and security, along with experience in technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

• Develop and implement hardware diagnostic utilities for pre-production validation, manufacturing testing, and field troubleshooting.
• Design and optimize firmware/software solutions for diagnosing CPU, memory, Ethernet switches, and high-speed I/O interfaces.
• Lead initiatives in hardware data-path offloading, improving efficiency for networking and high-bandwidth applications.
• Research and develop diagnostic methodologies for cryptographic engines, focusing on PKI and PQC security technologies.
• Work closely with hardware, software, and firmware teams to define diagnostic strategies and ensure seamless system integration.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers and establishing best practices in hardware diagnostics.
• Drive automation of test and validation processes, improving scalability and efficiency.
• Investigate and resolve hardware/software integration issues, ensuring robust and reliable system performance.

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science with at least 5 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science with a minimum of 7 years of experience in hardware diagnostics, validation, or related fields.
• 7+ years of experience in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, or Shell scripting, specifically for hardware diagnostics and automation tasks.
• 7+ years of experience working with Ethernet switches, Network Interface Cards (NICs), or high-speed networking protocols.
• 5+ years of experience with Linux kernel, device drivers, and real-time operating systems (RTOS).

• Experience with low-level firmware programming and interacting with hardware registers.
• Expertise in hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation techniques.
• Experience with JTAG, UART, SPI, I2C, PCIe, and high-speed interconnects.
• Proficiency in using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers for debugging.
• Experience with FPGA-based or ASIC-based hardware platforms is a plus.
• Experience with hardware acceleration for data-path offloading is a plus.
• Knowledge of PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), PQC (Post-Quantum Cryptography), and security protocols.
• Experience in integrating cryptographic engines into hardware systems is highly desirable.
• Experience with revision control systems like Git and CI/CD automation.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a system-level debugging mindset.
• Ability to mentor and guide junior engineers, establishing best practices in hardware diagnostics.
• Previous experience in high-performance computing, networking hardware, or security-focused systems.

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Our passion is connection-we celebrate our employees' diverse set of backgrounds and focus on unlocking potential. Cisconians often experience one company, many careers where learning and development are encouraged and supported at every stage. Our technology, tools, and culture pioneered hybrid work trends, allowing all to not only give their best, but be their best.

We understand our outstanding opportunity to bring communities together and at the heart of that is our people. One-third of Cisconians collaborate in our 30 employee resource organizations, called Inclusive Communities, to connect, foster belonging, learn to be informed allies, and make a difference. Dedicated paid time off to volunteer-80 hours each year-allows us to give back to causes we are passionate about, and nearly 86% do!

Our purpose, driven by our people, is what makes us the worldwide leader in technology that powers the internet. Helping our customers reimagine their applications, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals is what we do best. We ensure that every step we take is a step towards a more inclusive future for all. Take your next step and be you, with us!