Senior Hardware Program Lead for AI-Driven Platforms

Cisco Systems, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 172,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. in San Jose (Common Hardware Group – HW PMO) seeks a Hardware Program Manager to own end-to-end delivery of next‑generation platforms from concept to customer release.

This onsite role collaborates with hardware and software engineering, product management and operations to ensure schedule, cost and quality across multiple interdependent work streams. You will lead cross‑functional teams, manage budgets and risks, provide executive updates, and promote process improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with 8+ years of experience or advanced degrees with 6+ years in technical program management.
• Demonstrated experience leading end-to-end, complex hardware programs with moderate to high risk and multiple multi-functional interdependencies.
• Experience in defining and delivering program plans, schedules, and budgets, including monitoring critical path activities and resource allocation.
• Experience in project management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, MS Project) to track program metrics.
• Experience using AI tools e.g. ChatGPT, Codex, Claude to improve the program management process.

Responsibilities

• Lead program management of large-scale, high-risk hardware products for Cisco with multiple interdependencies across functions, ensuring successful end-to-end delivery from concept to customer release.
• Orchestrate multi-functional activities by aligning hardware and software engineering, product management, and operations teams to ensure cohesive, high-quality execution.
• Drive complex problem-solving by interpreting current business trends to identify and implement innovative, strategic solutions for program delivery.
• Monitor program health, lead critical path roadmaps, risk mitigation and necessary course corrections.
• Lead all aspects of budget preparations, resource allocation, and financial rigor to ensure effective utilization and alignment to business plans
• Influence and persuade partners at all levels, providing executive-level status updates and strategic recommendations for maintaining relationships.
• Provide technical expertise and mentorship to engineering project management staff, fostering process improvements and the implementation of continuous integration methodologies.

Skills

End-to-end program management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

Jira

Confluence

MS Project

Job description

Cisco Systems, Inc. in San Jose (Common Hardware Group – HW PMO) seeks a Hardware Program Manager to own end-to-end delivery of next‑generation platforms from concept to customer release.

This onsite role collaborates with hardware and software engineering, product management and operations to ensure schedule, cost and quality across multiple interdependent work streams. You will lead cross‑functional teams, manage budgets and risks, provide executive updates, and promote process improvements