Cisco Diagnostic Engineer Technical Leader 

United States, California, San Jose 

102728718

We are seeking a Hardware Diagnostic Engineer Tech Lead to develop and optimize hardware diagnostic utilities for complex systems, including CPU, memory, Ethernet switches, and high-speed I/O interfaces. This role will also drive hardware data-path offloading initiatives and lead advancements in crypto engine technologies such as PKI and PQC. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hardware validation, performance optimization, and security, along with experience in technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

• Develop and implement hardware diagnostic utilities for pre-production validation, manufacturing testing, and field troubleshooting.
• Design and optimize firmware/software solutions for diagnosing CPU, memory, Ethernet switches, and high-speed I/O interfaces.
• Lead initiatives in hardware data-path offloading, improving efficiency for networking and high-bandwidth applications.
• Research and develop diagnostic methodologies for cryptographic engines, focusing on PKI and PQC security technologies.
• Work closely with hardware, software, and firmware teams to define diagnostic strategies and ensure seamless system integration.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers and establishing best practices in hardware diagnostics.
• Drive automation of test and validation processes, improving scalability and efficiency.
• Investigate and resolve hardware/software integration issues, ensuring robust and reliable system performance.

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science with at least 5 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science with a minimum of 7 years of experience in hardware diagnostics, validation, or related fields.
• 7+ years of experience in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, or Shell scripting, specifically for hardware diagnostics and automation tasks.
• 7+ years of experience working with Ethernet switches, Network Interface Cards (NICs), or high-speed networking protocols.
• 5+ years of experience with Linux kernel, device drivers, and real-time operating systems (RTOS).

• Experience with low-level firmware programming and interacting with hardware registers.
• Expertise in hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation techniques.
• Experience with JTAG, UART, SPI, I2C, PCIe, and high-speed interconnects.
• Proficiency in using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers for debugging.
• Experience with FPGA-based or ASIC-based hardware platforms is a plus.
• Experience with hardware acceleration for data-path offloading is a plus.
• Knowledge of PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), PQC (Post-Quantum Cryptography), and security protocols.
• Experience in integrating cryptographic engines into hardware systems is highly desirable.
• Experience with revision control systems like Git and CI/CD automation.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a system-level debugging mindset.
• Ability to mentor and guide junior engineers, establishing best practices in hardware diagnostics.
• Previous experience in high-performance computing, networking hardware, or security-focused systems.