Photonic Packaging Engineer

The application window is expected to close on 1/30/2026.

This is an onsite role and will require working out of our Carlsbad, CA office location.

As a Photonic Packaging Engineer, you will play a key role in developing/supporting the next generation packaging platform for Cisco's Silicon Photonics Integrated Circuits and chipsets. You'll have the opportunity to work as a key member of the platform development team that is responsible for developing critical optical components, processes, and tools.

Design, Develop and Support

• Provide engineering support for Cisco's internally developed photonic assembly packaging tools.

• Gather and analyze data from Cisco's automated packaging tools/processes to shape new projects targeting improvement in novel subassemblies used in Cisco-designed high-volume manufacturing platforms.

• Recommend and implement test/assembly/process improvements, including cycle time reduction and automation of system to minimize required operator time and intervention.

• Design, build, and test prototypes of critical, complex electromechanical assemblies to be used in automated manufacturing/test tools.

• Follow new tools, processes, and components from development to production to ensure successful integration of new platform technologies.

• Apply analytics and AI/ML to stimulate edge cases, optimize strategies, improve coverage, usability, debug capabilities and problem detection using structured problem-solving methodologies.

• Partner with hardware, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure multi-functional alignment and successful transition to manufacturing.

• Develop and execute project plans with predictability, quality and velocity.

• Collaborate and travel to assure successful product deployment across a global environment

• Mentor and develop high-performing teams, emphasizing continuous learning in diagnostics, data engineering, advanced analytics, and effective use of AI-assisted development tools.

• Bachelors + 7 years of related experience, or Masters + 4 years of related experience, or PhD + 1 year of related experience

• Hardware/process automation experience

• Experience in hardware/software automation of photonics assembly/test.

• Experience with machine vision in an automation environment.

• Data analysis (SQL/JMP) in a semiconductor production environment

• Software development using C# on .NET

• Knowledge of photonics, fiber optics and semiconductor lasers

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.

The starting salary range posted for this position is $ to $ 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…