Optics Engineer (Co-Op) United States

  • Location:
    Maynard, Massachusetts, US
  • Area of Interest
    Engineer - Hardware
  • Compensation Range
    44000 USD - 130000 USD
  • Job Type
    Co-Op
  • Technology Interest
    Internet of Everything
  • Job Id
    1428249

Applications are accepted until further notice. 

Please note this posting is to advertise potential job opportunities. This exact role may not be open today but could open in the near future. When you apply, a Cisco representative may contact you directly if a relevant position opens. 

What you'll do 

The Optics Engineering Co-op will perform one or more of the following tasks while working on Cisco's elite optical communication products. The Co-op will be assigned relevant work assignments to challenge them according to their current level of experience and capability. 

The Co-op may find themselves working in the following areas: 

  • Support design verification testing (DVT) of coherent transceivers to ensure optical specifications are met over operating conditions 
  • Help development of calibration and test procedures to ensure a consistent high transceiver performance over a wide range of operating conditions (temperature, production variation, aging, power levels, etc.) 
  • Involve in creating methods, scripts and SW for various control loops in transmitter/receiver and performance monitoring related to power levels, GSNR/OSNR/SNR estimation 

Who you'll work with 

Cisco is well known for developing ground-breaking products in short time intervals. To support new product development at an exciting pace the Optics team is challenged to design, development, and application of optical systems and devices. The engineers work with technologies that involve the transmission of light over optical fiber for higher capacity, lower power consumption, smaller size and lower cost. An optics engineer would be involved in developing and optimizing optical transceivers and other components that are crucial for network connectivity, ensuring high-speed data transmission across servers, switches, and routers in various network environments like data centers and campus networks. The work is essential for supporting the increasing demands of hybrid work environments and ensuring reliable, high-capacity network connections. 

Who you are 

  • Good interpersonal and organizational skills 
  • Passion about engineering 
  • Enjoys working with hardware AND software 
  • Enjoys working in lab environments 
  • Likes to be challenged to understand systems and figure out ways to break it 
  • Previous internship experience 

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Currently enrolled in a full time undergraduate or graduate program in physics, electrical engineering or related field 
  • Python skill and understanding of basic optics 
  • Must be able to be onsite in Maynard, MA five days a week 

Why Cisco 

#WeAreCisco, where each person is unique, but we bring our talents to work as a team and make a difference powering an inclusive future for all. 

We embrace digital, and help our customers implement change in their digital businesses. Some may think we’re “old” (40 years strong) and only about hardware, but we’re also a software company. And a security company. We even invented an intuitive network that adapts, predicts, learns and protects. No other company can do what we do – you can’t put us in a box! 

But “Digital Transformation” is an empty buzz phrase without a culture that allows for innovation, creativity, and yes, even failure (if you learn from it.) 

Day to day, we focus on the give and take. We give our best, give our egos a break, and give of ourselves (because giving back is built into our DNA.) We take accountability, bold steps, and take difference to heart. Because without diversity of thought and a dedication to equality for all, there is no moving forward. 

So, you have colorful hair? Don’t care. Tattoos? Show off your ink. Like polka dots? That’s cool. Pop culture geek? Many of us are. Passion for technology and world changing? Be you, with us! 


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

When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training. Applicants may not be eligible for the full salary range based on their U.S. or Canada hiring location. The recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees have access to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings. Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, which includes one floating holiday, plus a day off for their birthday. Employees accrue up to 20 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) each year and have access to paid time away to deal with critical or emergency issues without tapping into their PTO. We offer additional paid time to volunteer and give back to the community. Employees are also able to purchase company stock through our Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

.75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

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