Cisco’s Client Optics Group (COG) designs & delivers the high-speed optical transceivers, and platforms that power Cisco's core data center networking solutions. We specialize in the design and integration of cutting-edge IM/DD optics and silicon photonic platforms that enable customers to deploy industry-leading optical technologies within data center with unprecedented speed, capacity, and reliability. Come join us and take part in shaping COG’s ground-breaking optical solutions by designing, developing, and testing some of the most advanced pluggable, and Co-packaged Optics (CPO) being developed in the industry.
You will work with Cisco's best-in-class Silicon Photonics team. Our team is responsible for driving the development and optimization of optical transceivers & modules (800G,1.6T & beyond) that seamlessly integrate with Cisco's routing, switching, and datacenter platforms, enabling customers to build scalable, high-performance networks that support emerging technologies including AI/ML workloads, and next-generation data center architectures.
We seek an experienced High Speed AMS Design Engineer to lead full-chip electrical specifications and mixed-signal design for Cisco's silicon photonics driver integrated circuits supporting 100G/200G/400G per Lambda solutions. You will own high-speed datapath and low-speed control circuit design for receive and transmit paths in our next-generation silicon photonics modules.
Your Impact
As a High-Speed Analog/Mixed-Signal (AMS) Design Leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping next-generation silicon photonics driver ICs.
You will:
Lead full-chip electrical architecture, specifications, and execution for high-speed silicon photonics driver ICs (100G/200G/400G per lambda)
Own end-to-end mixed-signal design for both transmit and receive paths, including high-speed datapath and low-speed control circuits
Design and optimize critical building blocks such as modulator drivers, TIAs, serializers, PLLs, and control loops
Drive performance across power, speed, signal integrity, testability, and cost
Partner cross-functionally with optical, system, and product teams to align design with real-world deployment requirements
Define and execute verification and validation strategies from concept through production
Lead silicon bring-up, debug, and lab validation—resolving complex system-level challenges and improving yield
Influence architecture decisions and contribute to next-gen product roadmaps
Mentor engineers across analog, digital, and validation domains, fostering technical excellence and innovation
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s + 12 years, Master’s + 8 years, or PhD + 5 years of experience in high-speed analog/mixed-signal design
Strong expertise in high-speed optical transceiver circuits (modulator drivers, TIAs, CDRs, PLLs, ADC/DAC)
Proven experience leading designs through full tapeout cycles and delivering successful silicon
Hands-on proficiency with industry tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, Calibre, Verilog/SystemVerilog, or Verilog-AMS
Experience in scripting and automation using Python or C
Ability to make critical technical decisions in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
Preferred Qualifications
10–15 years of deep hands-on experience in analog/mixed-signal IC design
Experience with silicon photonics driver ICs and direct-detect optical architectures
Strong understanding of silicon photonics, optical subsystems, and industry standards (QSFP/QSFP-DD, IEEE 802.3)
Expertise in high-speed PHYs and protocols (112G/224G PAM4 SerDes, Ethernet, UCIe, CDR systems, PLLs)
Experience in design for testability (DFT) and developing test methodologies for large mixed-signal systems
Hands-on lab experience with high-speed measurement equipment (BERTs, oscilloscopes, communication analyzers)
Familiarity with SI/PI analysis, PCB/test fixture design, and optical component modeling (photodiodes, modulators, Verilog-A)
Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work across global, cross-functional teams
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.
