System Quality & Manufacturing Test Engineer
Apply (https://jobs.cisco.com/jobs/Login?projectId=1447421)
Location:San Jose, California, US
Alternate LocationAustin, Texas, or anywhere in US
Area of InterestSupply Chain
Compensation Range140800 USD - 183000 USD
Job TypeProfessional
Technology InterestNetworking
Job Id1447421
The application window is expected to close on: 8/6/25 U.S. only.
NOTE: Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.
We are seeking a dedicated and proactive System Quality & Manufacturing Test Engineer to champion quality-focused support for both new and sustaining products, with a special emphasis on system engineering, xDVT (cross-Design Validation Testing), and advanced manufacturing test strategies. In this role, you will ensure exceptional product quality from New Product Introduction (NPI) through End of Life (EOL), with a heightened focus on early engagement for critical component technologies and robust test planning to enable high-quality product launches. You will collaborate cross-functionally-including with design, process, test, and reliability engineering-to address technical and manufacturing challenges, implement quality best practices, and drive measurable improvements at First Customer Ship (FCS) and beyond. Your efforts will also contribute to ongoing technology readiness and process optimization as Cisco evolves.
MEET THE TEAM
You will work closely with Product Operations, Engineering, Global Manufacturing Operations, Test and Quality, Service & Logistics, and CM partners. Together, you will address complex quality and manufacturability challenges, implement leading-edge test strategies, and proactively prepare for next-generation technologies and product introductions.
YOUR IMPACT
You possess a strong background in system-level engineering, xDVT planning/execution, and manufacturing test development. Your technical acumen and communication skills enable you to influence cross-functional teams and leadership. You thrive in dynamic environments, managing a broad scope of technical and quality responsibilities, and are adept at adapting to evolving priorities. Your sense of ownership and integrity, combined with your ability to drive change across engineering and manufacturing, makes you an ideal fit. You will play a critical role in ensuring Cisco's manufacturing and test processes are positioned to deliver the next wave of technology-driven products.
HIGH LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Drive integrated quality and test practices across the PLM lifecycle (NPI to EOL), emphasizing system-level risk assessment, xDVT strategy, and DFX/DFM principles for next-gen hardware and manufacturing test processes.
Lead early engagement initiatives with focus on critical component technology assessment, functional test strategy development, and system-level verification for high-quality product launches.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Component Engineering, GSM, Hardware/System Engineering, Test Engineering) to influence technology selection, implement robust test and risk mitigation strategies, and ensure readiness for advanced technologies and manufacturing processes.
Lead and resolve quality and test issues, ensuring closed-loop feedback, thorough root cause analysis, and continuous improvement within the PLM and test lifecycle.
Advocate for quality and test enhancements, leveraging lessons learned from xDVT and field/factory feedback, and contribute to the development of dashboards and metrics for proactive risk management.
Drive cost avoidance, support ongoing manufacturing quality improvement, and assess the impact of new component/technology introductions on test, manufacturability, and product reliability.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
Minimum 5 years' experience in System or Electrical Product Engineering, with a strong focus on hardware/system verification (xDVT), manufacturing test strategy, and process quality.
Demonstrated experience in developing and executing system-level test plans (including xDVT), and functional test strategies for complex hardware, with exposure to root cause analysis and field failure diagnostics.
Strong understanding of next-generation technology/components, PCB design and fabrication, and practical experience with manufacturing test equipment, test automation, and product health dashboards.
Hands-on experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) or Design for Test (DFT), and test planning for high-complexity products.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Leadership in resolving complex system-level test and quality issues.
Experience with NPI and sustaining product test and validation processes.
Proficiency with Valor, schematic/CAD/CAE tools, and test development environments.
Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize diverse responsibilities across engineering and manufacturing test domains.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills with experience presenting technical findings and recommendations.
Experience with component qualification, system risk profiling, and proactive test strategy for new technology adoption.
Project management skills with a focus on test and quality improvement initiatives.
Experience with Agile methodologies (SCRUM, KANBAN), especially in engineering or test environments.
Familiarity with quality and risk management methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, FMEA), with a track record of implementing improvements in test and manufacturing environments.
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, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Simply put - we power the future.
Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.
We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.
WeAreCisco
Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:
When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training. Applicants may not be eligible for the full salary range based on their U.S. or Canada hiring location. The recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.
U.S. employees haveaccess (https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/careers/we-are-cisco/benefits-and-perks.html) to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings.
Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, which includes one floating holiday (for non-exempt employees), plus a day off for their birthday. Non-Exempt new hires accrue up to 16 days of vacation time off each year, at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period. Exempt new hires participate in Cisco's flexible Vacation Time Off policy, which does not place a defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use, but is subject to availability and some business limitations. All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off subject to Cisco's Sick Time Off Policy and will have eighty (80) hours of sick time off provided on their hire date and on January 1st of each year thereafter. Up to 80 hours of unused sick time will be carried forward from one calendar year to the next such that the maximum number of sick time hours an employee may have available is 160 hours. Employees in Illinois have a unique time off program designed specifically with local requirements in mind. All employees also have access to paid time away to deal with critical or emergency issues. We offer additional paid time to volunteer and give back to the community.
Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:
.75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;
1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;
1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.
For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.
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Cisco will consider for employment, on a case by case basis, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
