Hardware Engineering Technical Leader – Acacia

Cisco

Hardware engineering leader designing and validating high-speed optical interconnect products for Cisco-acquired Acacia. Leading multidisciplinary teams across hardware, software, optics, and DSP for next-generation 400G–1.2T technologies.

Posted 8/17/2026full-timeMaynard • Massachusetts • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $179,000 - $254,300 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in hardware life cycle management, including innovation, architecture, and design of high-speed electro-optical transmission systems. Proficient in leading multidisciplinary teams and mentoring engineers while applying advanced knowledge of telecommunications and analog/RF simulation tools.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Hardware Life Cycle ManagementHigh-Speed Electro-Optical TransmissionAnalog/RF Simulation ToolsPCB Layout and Constraint ManagementPower Integrity Simulations

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Transmission Line TheoryDC-DC Power ConvertersPCB LayoutHigh-Speed SignalingDebugging and Lab TestingDigital Control LoopsDSP FunctionsPython

Soft Skills

LeadershipMentoringStakeholder Coordination

Tools & Technologies

LTSpiceADSVxDesignerAllegro PCBSiP Layout Tools

Industry Keywords

TelecommunicationsOptical ComponentsLasersModulatorsDetectorsDWDM Technologies

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the hardware life cycle of Acacia products
Champion innovation, architecture, specification, design, and validation of new hardware
Apply telecommunications and high-speed electro-optical transmission expertise to resolve complex business problems
Serve as a technical expert on verification and issue-resolution approaches
Coordinate with stakeholders to integrate changes into the hardware design lifecycle
Lead, mentor, and influence engineers within the hardware and other organizations
Work within a multidisciplinary Hardware, Software, Optics, and DSP engineering organization
Lead large programs and contribute as an individual contributor

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 12+ years of relevant industry experience
Experience with transmission line theory and effects, including microstrip, stripline, and CPW
Experience with high-efficiency DC-DC power converters
Experience with analog/RF simulation tools such as LTSpice or ADS
Experience with VxDesigner, Allegro PCB, and/or SiP Layout tools
Experience with PCB layout and constraint management tools for high-speed signaling above 50+ GHz
Experience debugging and working in the lab with innovative test equipment
Preferred: Master’s or advanced degree
Preferred: Experience with Power Integrity simulations and tools
Preferred: Knowledge of optical components, including lasers, modulators, detectors, and DWDM technologies
Preferred: Understanding and implementing digital control loops and DSP functions
Preferred: Knowledge of Python

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available
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
Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s 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
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
Annual bonuses may be available for non-sales roles
Benefits and perks available through Cisco careers site