Software Engineer Embedded Systems I (Intern) – United States
About The Position
The Cisco Product Internship Program offers a 12-week summer experience designed to welcome early-career talent into this mission. We embed interns within high-impact teams, where they collaborate directly on the products, platforms, and architectures shaping Cisco's future and powering the AI era. Throughout the program, interns have the opportunity to participate in targeted learning sessions, multi-functional networking, and direct engagement with leaders across the organization. By immersing interns in real-world challenges, we help them build the technical skills, confidence, and collaborative approach needed to envision a long-term, impactful career at Cisco. You’ll dive deep into C and embedded Linux to build the low-level software that keeps our global network running. You’ll apply networking and OS fundamentals to real infrastructure, automating workflows with Python and Bash to streamline critical processes while strengthening system security through DevSecOps. By building and maintaining robust, low-level software, you ensure the foundational stability of our infrastructure, enabling Cisco to deliver reliable and secure connectivity.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (Associate's or Bachelor's).
- Qualifying education should be in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
- Expected to continue enrollment in degree program following completion of the internship.
- Proficient in C with experience in embedded Linux, demonstrated through at least one academic, personal, or professional project.
- Working knowledge of at least two of: operating systems, routing, or networking fundamentals.
- Hands-on experience with at least one automation or scripting tool: Python, Bash, or Jenkins.
- Exposure to DevSecOps workflows or security-focused development practices.
Nice To Haves
- Exposure to cybersecurity fundamentals or security protocols.
- Familiarity with FPGA development.
- Understanding of at least two of: signal integrity, power integrity, or PCB design.
Responsibilities
- Build the low-level software that keeps our global network running using C and embedded Linux.
- Apply networking and OS fundamentals to real infrastructure.
- Automate workflows with Python and Bash to streamline critical processes.
- Strengthen system security through DevSecOps.
- Build and maintain robust, low-level software to ensure foundational stability of infrastructure.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
- Paid parental leave
- Short-term disability coverage
- Long-term disability coverage
- Basic life insurance
- 10 paid holidays per full calendar year
- 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
- 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
- Paid year-end holiday shutdown
- 4 paid days off for personal wellness
- 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year (non-exempt employees)
- Flexible vacation time off program (exempt employees)
- 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
- Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
- Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
- Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
- Annual bonuses (for non-sales roles)
- Performance-based incentive pay (for sales roles)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Associate degree
