Hardware Engineer

Cisco

System Level Test Engineer driving end-to-end validation across hardware, firmware, and software stacks at Cisco. Ensuring robust performance and reliability under real-world conditions.

Posted 5/8/2026full-timeSan Jose • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $135,800 - $193,400 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

iOSLinuxPythonSwitchingTCP/IP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and execute system-level validation strategies for complex networking platforms
Validate end-to-end functionality across hardware, OS, and networking software stacks
Perform feature, regression, interoperability, and scale testing
Develop automated test frameworks using Python, C/C++, or similar languages
Build scalable validation environments for high-throughput networking systems
Integrate tests into CI/CD pipelines for continuous validation
Design and execute tests for throughput, latency, packet loss, and scale limits
Validate system behavior under high traffic loads and real-world network conditions
Analyze system performance across L2/L3 protocols and data center workloads
Debug complex issues spanning ASICs, firmware, drivers, and network OS
Perform root cause analysis using logs, traces, and lab instrumentation
Collaborate with design and software teams to resolve issues efficiently
Partner with ASIC, hardware design, software, and architecture teams
Influence design decisions by identifying system-level risks early
Work with customers and field teams to reproduce and resolve issues

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
4+ years of experience in system validation, networking test, or hardware/software integration
Strong knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing, switching)
Experience with Linux systems and debugging tools
Programming/scripting experience (Python, C/C++, or similar)
Hands-on experience with system-level debugging and validation
Experience with data center networking (leaf-spine, VXLAN, EVPN)
Familiarity with high-speed interfaces (Ethernet 25G/100G/400G, PCIe)
Experience testing network operating systems (NX-OS, IOS-XR, or similar)
Knowledge of traffic generators (Ixia, Spirent) and network test tools
Experience with automation frameworks and large-scale testbeds
Background in ASIC bring-up or platform validation

Benefits

Comp & perks

health insurance
dental insurance
vision insurance
401(k) plan with matching contribution
paid parental leave
short and long-term disability coverage
basic life insurance
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
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
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
flexible vacation time off program for exempt employees
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 for critical or emergency issues for family members
optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

PythonC/C++system validationnetworking testhardware/software integrationdebuggingautomation frameworkstraffic generatorsnetwork test toolsdata center networking

Soft Skills

collaborationproblem-solvinginfluencecommunication