# Principal Hardware Engineer at Cisco

- Company: Cisco
- What the company does: Cisco is a worldwide technology leader powering an inclusive future for all. Learn more about our products, services, solutions, and innovations. Backed by Sequoia and Menlo.
- Company website: https://www.cisco.com/
- Type: Startups
- Level: Principal and up
- Location: Santa Monica, California, US
- Work setup: On-site
- Posted: 2026-09-27
- Apply by: 2026-11-11
- Apply: https://cisco.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Cisco_Careers/job/Santa-Monica-California-US/Principal-Hardware-Engineer_2024112
- Page: https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/cisco-principal-hardware-engineer/

## About the role

Cisco Quantum Research is seeking a skilled Principal Hardware Engineer to support our Quantum Experimental Team in a role that is central to the physical realization of Cisco's deployable quantum hardware platforms. You act as the primary technical authority responsible for delivering integrated, rack-mounted quantum systems directly to customer data centers and research facilities, directly driving customer satisfaction and site-acceptance timeline success.

## What they're looking for

- Bachelors + 15 years of related experience, or Masters + 12 years of related experience, or PhD + 8 years of related experience, or equivalent related work experience
- 10+ years experience designing, integrating, and deploying high-density electro-mechanical, optoelectronic, or telecom rack
- Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or Inventor) with experience in rack layout design (EIA-310 standard), structural enclosures, and cable management routing
- 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
- Experience defining and performing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), including authoring site-readiness specifications for enterprise or research customer facilities