PHY Algo ASIC Engineer

Your Impact

As a PHY Algorithm Engineer, you will contribute directly to the modeling, simulation, and performance optimization of advanced physical layer (PHY) and modem algorithms for our flagship Silicon One ASICs. Working alongside senior algorithm architects and silicon designers, you will translate theoretical communication concepts into high-fidelity MATLAB simulation models, analyze signal processing tradeoffs, and help validate algorithm performance on real silicon in the lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• Model & Develop PHY Algorithms: Design, simulate, and analyze digital signal processing (DSP) and modem algorithms for high-speed SerDes physical layer architectures.

• Build High-Fidelity Simulation Models: Develop and maintain comprehensive MATLAB and Simulink models to evaluate bit error rates (BER), equalization tradeoffs (CTLE, FFE, DFE), and noise performance.

• Optimize Modem Parameters: Characterize and tune algorithm configuration parameters to enhance receiver sensitivity, link robustness, and hardware implementation feasibility.

• Support Hardware & Software Integration: Collaborate closely with digital ASIC design, firmware, and systems engineering teams to ensure accurate fixed-point translation and RTL implementation of algorithm models.

• Perform Lab Validation & Debug: Participate in hands-on silicon bring-up, lab measurements, and data collection to correlate simulation predictions with real-world silicon behavior.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in PHY algorithm development or related high-speed communication systems, with a broad system-level orientation and perspective.

• Hands-on MATLAB experience for algorithm development, simulation, and testing.

• Solid theoretical foundation in digital signal processing (e.g., adaptive filtering, equalization, clock and data recovery, modulation).

• Practical understanding of communication systems and receiver/transmitter modem architectures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-speed SerDes systems, wireline communications, or high-speed optical/electrical PHY architectures.
• Hands-on experience with lab test equipment (high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, BERTs, spectrum analyzers) for silicon characterization and signal integrity validation.
• Familiarity with fixed-point modeling, C/C++, or Python scripting for simulation flow automation.
• Background in algorithm tuning, parameter optimization, or link-budget analysis.
• Strong analytical mindset, proactive problem-solving skills, and a collaborative team orientation.

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.