Hardware Program Lead for Hyperscale Systems & ASICs

Cisco Systems, Inc.; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cisco Systems, Inc. Common Hardware Group (CHG) System & Optics Team seeks an experienced program leader to own end-to-end execution of hyperscale hardware programs.

You will drive cross-functional delivery across silicon, hardware, software, operations, and manufacturing to meet customer deployments. You will establish governance, manage risk, and ensure high-quality product delivery, partnering with executive leaders across matrixed organizations to align strategy, resourcing, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in electrical/computer engineering with 12+ years (Master) or 15+ years (Bachelor) leading large-scale hardware programs.
• Proven experience leading programs involving custom ASICs, silicon development, SoCs, or advanced semiconductor technologies.
• Experience driving executive-level decisions, partner alignment, and large programs across matrixed orgs without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Direct and own the end-to-end execution of Cisco's most critical hyperscale system programs, guiding products from concept through customer deployment.
• Lead large-scale, multi-year programs involving system architecture, custom ASICs/silicon development, hardware engineering, software, operations, and manufacturing.
• Establish executive-level program governance, operating mechanisms, risk management frameworks, and decision-making processes for delivery predictability and business outcomes.
• Drive synchronization across independent internal silicon organizations, platform engineering, validation, and customer deployment activities, mitigating risks of first-generation tech.
• Influence and align senior technical leaders, VPs, and executive partners across matrixed organizations to resolve complex multi-functional issues and resource constraints.
• Partner with strategic hyperscale account teams to understand requirements, lead qualification, and ensure delivery of products meeting performance, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction across Engineering Services, setting strategy, planning resources, and establishing program management and Agile principles.

Skills

Executive leadership

Hardware program mgmt

ASIC/SoC experience

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/CS Eng

Master’s in Electrical/CS Eng

Job description

The Cisco Systems, Inc. Common Hardware Group (CHG) System & Optics Team seeks an experienced program leader to own end-to-end execution of hyperscale hardware programs.

You will drive cross-functional delivery across silicon, hardware, software, operations, and manufacturing to meet customer deployments. You will establish governance, manage risk, and ensure high-quality product delivery, partnering with executive leaders across matrixed organizations to align strategy, resourcing, and