Principal Engineering Project & Program Management
Required skills
Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering with 15+ years or master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering with 12+ years of experience leading large-scale, multi-functional hardware development programs, including complex system-level products with significant technical dependencies Proven experience leading programs involving custom ASICs, silicon development, SoCs, or advanced semiconductor technologies Experience with driving executive-level decision-making, partner alignment, and large programs across matrixed organizations without direct organizational authority Holds a PMP (Project Management Professional) or PgMP (Program Management Professional)
Preferred skills
Experience working directly with hyperscale cloud providers and managing large-scale datacenter infrastructure deployments Deep understanding of hardware product development lifecycles (architecture, design, validation, manufacturing, qualification) for computer, networking, switching, optics, or AI infrastructure Strong executive presence with exceptional communication, negotiation, and influence skills to thrive in highly ambiguous environments Experience leading first-generation platform introductions and programs involving significant technology innovation
Technologies
Custom ASICs, silicon development, SoCs, advanced semiconductor technologies, hyperscale cloud providers, datacenter infrastructure, hardware product development lifecycles
Responsibilities
Direct and own the end-to-end execution of Cisco's most critical hyperscale system programs, guiding products from concept definition through customer deployment Lead large-scale, multi-year programs involving system architecture, custom ASICs/silicon development, hardware engineering, software, operations, and manufacturing Establish executive-level program governance, operating mechanisms, risk management frameworks, and decision-making processes to ensure delivery predictability, quality, and business outcomes Drive synchronization across independent internal silicon organizations, platform engineering, validation, and customer deployment activities, anticipating and mitigating risks associated with first-generation technologies Influence and align senior technical leaders, VPs, and executive partners across matrixed organizations, driving resolution of complex multi-functional issues and resource constraints Partner directly with strategic hyperscale account team to understand requirements, lead qualification planning, and ensure successful delivery of products that meet performance, cost, and schedule objectives Provide leadership and direction across Engineering Services, setting strategy, planning resourcing, and establishing program management and Agile principles for high-quality product delivery
Seniority
Principal
Domain
Hardware development, system architecture, semiconductor technologies, hyperscale infrastructure, AI infrastructure
