Lead Quantum Hardware Rack Systems Engineer

Cisco; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 221,000 - 295,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with Cisco matching

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid parental leave

Short/long-term disability

Basic life insurance

RSUs eligible

Job summary

Cisco’s Outshift Quantum Research team seeks a senior hardware architect to deliver rack‑mounted quantum systems to customer data centers and labs in the United States. You will lead integration across precision electronics, RF, thermal, optical routing, and fiber management, ensuring manufacturability and serviceability.

The role requires extensive experience with high‑density electro‑mechanical racks, 3D CAD design, and safety standards, and offers a path to shape scalable quantum

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with extensive related experience.
• 10+ years designing, integrating, and deploying high-density electro‑mechanical, optoelectronic, or telecom rack.
• Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or Inventor) and rack layout design (EIA‑310).
• Experience with AC/DC power distribution (PDUs, grounding schemes, safety isolation), thermal/airflow management inside enclosed racks, and environmental interlocks.
• Experience managing a team of engineers.

Responsibilities

• Deliver integrated, rack-mounted quantum systems to customer data centers and research facilities.
• Unify disparate engineering outputs into a cohesive, manufacturable rack architecture.
• Lead the design, integration, and deployment of rack-level quantum systems for customer data centers and research environments.
• Ensure compliance with UL, CE, and IEC requirements.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to transition laboratory technologies into robust, deployable hardware platforms.
• Partner with program management to ensure assembly, testing, and site acceptance activities.
• Establish and improve assembly and test processes to support scaling and delivery.
• Demonstrates outstanding attention to detail and a dedication to quality by producing accurate laboratory records and experimental results.

Skills

Rack design

3D CAD software

Power distribution

Thermal management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 15+ yrs experience

Master’s degree + 12+ yrs experience

PhD + 8+ yrs experience

Job description

Cisco’s Outshift Quantum Research team seeks a senior hardware architect to deliver rack‑mounted quantum systems to customer data centers and labs in the United States. You will lead integration across precision electronics, RF, thermal, optical routing, and fiber management, ensuring manufacturability and serviceability.

The role requires extensive experience with high‑density electro‑mechanical racks, 3D CAD design, and safety standards, and offers a path to shape scalable quantum