Global Process Owner - Hardware & Manufacturing Quality

We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Hardware & Manufacturing Quality Engineer to champion quality-focused support for both new and sustaining products, with a strong emphasis on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and hardware expertise. You will ensure product quality from New Product Introduction (NPI) to End of Life (EOL), with a focus on early engagement in the design process to optimize manufacturability and quality. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including design, component, process, test, and reliability engineering, you will address challenges and implement quality best practices and metrics at First Customer Ship (FCS). In addition, your focus will be on quality improvement, process optimization, and technology readiness for sustaining products as well.

MEET THE TEAM

You will collaborate with Product Operations teams, Engineering, Global Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain Transformation, Service & Logistics and with CM partners as key collaborators, to address quality challenges, implement best practices, and proactively prepare for new technologies and product introductions.

YOUR IMPACT

You have a proven ability to build relationships and effectively influence peers and management with your strong communication skills. Your proficiency in written, verbal, and interpersonal communication allows you to make a significant impact. You excel in managing a broad scope of responsibilities and effectively adapt to changing priorities. Your strong sense of ownership and integrity makes you an ideal fit for this role. You will also drive initiatives beyond core quality responsibilities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our Technical Product Operations community. You will be a key driver in ensuring our manufacturing processes are ready for the future of Cisco products.

High Level Responsibilities:

• Drive integrated quality practices across the PLM lifecycle (NPI to EOL), incorporating DFM principles and proactive risk mitigation for new hardware technologies and manufacturing processes.
• Champion quality change management and continuous improvement initiatives, embedding best practices and early engagement strategies throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Component Engineering, GSM, Hardware Engineering) to influence component selection, implement risk mitigation strategies, and ensure technology readiness.
• Lead quality issue resolution, governance, and documentation within the PLM process, ensuring closed-loop feedback and continuous improvement.
• Present and advocate for quality improvements within the Product Operations community, evaluating process capability, and exploring value engineering and circular economy opportunities.
• Drive cost avoidance, sustain quality improvements, and proactively assess Cisco's product and component roadmap to identify and address potential manufacturing challenges.

Minimum Requirements:

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering or relevant/related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Electrical Engineering/Electrical Product Engineering or a related field, with a focus on hardware and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated experience in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Excellence (DFx) methodologies, including leading or participating in DFM reviews and implementing DFM best practices.
• Understanding of PCB fabrication processes and technologies, including experience with PCB assembly, testing, and failure analysis.
• Solid understanding of system hardware architectures, design concepts, and engineering development practices. Proven ability to use diagnostic tools to debug and troubleshoot failing systems down to the component level.
• Experience with quality methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Green Belt certification, with a proven track record of applying these methodologies to improve product quality and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex quality issues within a manufacturing or engineering environment. Must demonstrate a strong understanding of root cause analysis techniques and the ability to implement effective corrective actions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership in resolving complex quality issues
• Familiarity with Product development and/or manufacturing processes
• Experience with Valor, schematic, CAD, and other CAE tools
• Demonstrated ability to handle diverse responsibilities and adapt to evolving priorities
• Strong written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of supply chain risk mitigation strategies
• Experience with component selection and qualification processes
• Experience in project management with a focus on quality
• Experience with Agile methodologies, specifically SCRUM and KANBAN

WE ARE CISCO

#WeAreCisco where every individual brings their unique skills and perspectives together to pursue our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all.

Our passion is connection-we celebrate our employees' diverse set of backgrounds and focus on unlocking potential. Cisconians often experience one company, many careers where learning and development are encouraged and supported at every stage. Our technology, tools, and culture pioneered hybrid work trends, allowing all to not only give their best, but be their best.

We understand our outstanding opportunity to bring communities together and at the heart of that is our people. One-third of Cisconians collaborate in our 30 employee resource organizations, called Inclusive Communities, to connect, foster belonging, learn to be informed allies, and make a difference. Dedicated paid time off to volunteer-80 hours each year-allows us to give back to causes we are passionate about, and nearly 86% do!

Our purpose, driven by our people, is what makes us the worldwide leader in technology that powers the internet. Helping our customers reimagine their applications, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals is what we do best. We ensure that every step we take is a step towards a more inclusive future for all. Take your next step and be you, with us!