Software Developer Embedded Systems II (Co-op) – Canada

Cisco Systems, Inc; Canada; On-site; CAD 26,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking an Embedded Systems Software Developer Co-op to advance the architecture and performance of core networking platforms.

You will partner with senior engineers to tackle complex challenges, implement robust software components, and improve system efficiency across distributed platforms. Ideal candidates are graduate students in CS/CE/EE or related fields with strong C/C++ skills, Linux experience, and familiarity with debugging tools, Git, and networking protocols.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a graduate degree program.
• Qualifying education should be in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in C or C++ systems programming.
• Solid understanding of operating systems internals (kernel space vs. user space, memory) and networking protocol architectures (L2/L3, TCP/IP).
• Practical experience developing in Linux environments, utilizing debugging tools (GDB, Valgrind) and Git version control.

Responsibilities

• Advance architecture, scalability, and performance of Cisco’s core networking systems and platforms.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to tackle complex technical challenges.
• Implement robust software components and improve system efficiency.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Networking protocols

Linux fundamentals

Problem-solving

Debugging

Education

Graduate degree program

Tools

GDB

Valgrind

Git

Linux kernel

DPDK/XDP/eBPF

Job description

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.

Applications are accepted until further notice.

Meet the Team

Our dedicated team members are building the future of Cisco’s core networking platforms, operating systems, and intelligent embedded infrastructure, powering global connectivity. You will join engineering teams focused on developing high-performance routing and switching architectures, low-latency telemetry, and hardware-software integration within business groups such as Cisco Networking, Security & Trust, and Supply Chain. As part of this collaborative environment, you will contribute to the evolution of next-generation distributed platforms and mission-critical network systems. Explore the opportunities at the intersection of embedded software, networking protocols, and silicon systems, helping to transform how Cisco delivers resilient, high-speed digital experiences worldwide.

Your Impact

As an Embedded Systems Software Developer Co-op, you will play a key role in advancing the architecture, scalability, and performance of Cisco’s core networking systems and platforms. You will partner with senior engineers and domain experts to tackle complex technical challenges, optimize system-level workflows, and build resilient solutions for next-generation platforms. Apply your training and problem-solving skills to evaluate architectural trade-offs, implement robust software components, and improve overall system efficiency. Success in this role means driving meaningful technical outcomes, contributing to high-impact projects, and helping build scalable technologies that connect enterprises and service providers worldwide.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a graduate degree program

• Qualifying education should be in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.

• Proficiency in C or C++ systems programming

• Solid understanding of operating systems internals (kernel space vs. user space, memory) and networking protocol architectures (L2/L3, TCP/IP).

• Practical experience developing in Linux environments, utilizing debugging tools (GDB, Valgrind) and Git version control.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Linux kernel programming, RTOS, embedded device drivers, or packet processing datapaths (e.g., DPDK, XDP, eBPF).

• Knowledge of advanced routing protocols (BGP, IS-IS, Segment Routing, MPLS) or network telemetry and performance measurement architectures.

• Proficiency in Python or Bash for developing automated regression suites, continuous integration pipelines (Jenkins), and performance profiling.

• Exposure to hardware interfaces (PCIe, I2C, SPI), FPGA development, or embedded security protocols (DevSecOps, secure boot).

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.

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

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco’s policies:

• 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees

• 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco

• Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees

• Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)

• 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours ofunused sick timecarried forwardfrom one calendar yearto 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

For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. 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 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:

$44,000.00 - $185,000.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$44,000.00 - $185,000.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco’s sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.