Principal Engineering, Hardware Project & Program Management

The application window is expected to close on: 09/12/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received . This role requires the employee to work onsite at the San Jose, CA office location. Meet the team The Common Hardware Group (CHG) creates innovative hardware platforms central to the AI era, powering Cisco’s core Switching, Routing, and Wireless products for organizations globally. Within CHG, the Systems & Optics Team (SaO) serves as the execution engine for Cisco's most strategic hardware initiatives. We partner across silicon, engineering, product management, operations, supply chain, manufacturing, and executive leadership to transform technology strategy into successful product delivery. Our mission is to provide program leadership, governance, transparency, and execution rigor across highly complex system development programs, shaping the future of hyperscale infrastructure.

Direct and own the end-to-end execution of Cisco's most critical hyperscale system programs, guiding products from concept definition 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 to ensure delivery predictability, quality, and business outcomes. Drive synchronization across independent internal silicon organizations, platform engineering, validation, and customer deployment activities, anticipating and mitigating risks associated with first-generation technologies. Influence and align senior technical leaders, VPs, and executive partners across matrixed organizations, driving resolution of complex multi-functional issues and resource constraints. Partner directly with strategic hyperscale account team to understand requirements, lead qualification planning, and ensure successful delivery of products that meet performance, cost, and schedule objectives. Provide leadership and direction across Engineering Services, setting strategy, planning resourcing, and establishing program management and Agile principles for high-quality product delivery.

Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering with 15+ years or master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering with 12+ years of experience leading large-scale, multi-functional hardware development programs, including complex system-level products with significant technical dependencies. Proven experience leading programs involving custom ASICs, silicon development, SoCs, or advanced semiconductor technologies. Experience with driving executive-level decision-making, partner alignment, and large programs across matrixed organizations without direct organizational authority.

Holds a PMP (Project Management Professional) or PgMP (Program Management Professional) Experience working directly with hyperscale cloud providers and managing large-scale datacenter infrastructure deployments. Deep understanding of hardware product development lifecycles (architecture, design, validation, manufacturing, qualification) for computer, networking, switching, optics, or AI infrastructure. Strong executive presence with exceptional communication, negotiation, and influence skills to thrive in highly ambiguous environments. Experience leading first-generation platform introductions and programs involving significant technology innovation. Why Cisco?  At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security,