Senior Hardware Engineering Program Manager

About this role

The application window is expected to close on: 09/17/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received .

This is an onsite position at the San Jose, CA location with Austin, TX as an alternative 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. Our innovations in silicon, optics, and hardware platforms—like Silicon One—are shaping the technology industry. We value diverse perspectives and foster an inclusive environment where every team member is empowered to share their ideas and drive meaningful outcomes.

Our CHG HW PMO team serves as the engine for Cisco’s hardware portfolio, redefining complex strategies into predictable, high-quality delivery through multi-functional governance and operational excellence. As a Hardware Program Manager, you will act as the primary orchestrator for next-generation platforms, driving the end-to-end product lifecycle while ensuring financial rigor and seamless alignment across our engineering and business partners.

Your Impact • 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.

Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in engineering with 8+ years of experience or a master’s degree in engineering with 6+ years of experience in technical program management, or PhD with 3+ years.

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications: • Expertise in Design Verification Testing (DVT) processes within complex hardware development lifecycles.

• Extensive knowledge of hardware manufacturing environments, production workflows, and supply chain operations.

• Strategic background in supply chain operations or procurement for large-scale hardware programs.

• Current program management certification (e.g., PMP, PgMP) reflecting advanced professional standards.

• Proven ability to communicate difficult concepts and influence outcomes across internal and external partner groups.

• Demonstrated expertise with leading multi-functional dependencies in fast-paced engineering environments

• Familiarity with demonstrating advanced analytical tools and AI-enabled methodologies to optimize program management efficiency.

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. 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. 

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $171,600.00 to $245,000.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks.  Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco’s polici

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