Software Engineer Embedded Systems I (Co-op) - United States

Cisco Systems, Inc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 44,000 - 185,000; Part time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc is seeking a motivated undergraduate student for a co-op role in North Carolina. You will work on low-level programming, embedded Linux, and networking stacks, contributing to hardware-software integration and security across Cisco core products.

The role emphasizes collaboration, process discipline, and delivering high-quality solutions. You will gain hands-on experience with CI/CD tools like Jenkins and GitHub Actions, and exposure to DevSecOps practices within Cisco's

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (Associate's or Bachelor's) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field, with the expectation to continue enrollment following completion of the co‑op work term.
• Proficiency in C programming and experience working in embedded Linux environments, including a solid understanding of operating system fundamentals.
• Working knowledge of core networking principles, routing protocols, and general network architecture concepts.
• Hands‑on experience developing automation scripts (e.g., Python or Bash), utilizing CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions), and applying DevSecOps practices within software workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software and tools for Cisco core products, including embedded systems and networking stacks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure hardware-software integration, security, and performance.
• Follow DevSecOps practices and established CI/CD workflows to deliver high-quality software.

Skills

C programming

Networking principles

Automation scripting (Python, Bash)

CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub)

DevSecOps practices

Operating systems fundamentals

Education

Undergraduate in CS/CE/EE or related (Assoc/Bachelor)

Tools

Jenkins

GitHub Actions

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

Join a vibrant community of passionate professionals from around the world, working together in Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, Customer Experience, Security & Trust, and more. We are united by a shared mission to make technology accessible and impactful for everyone. In our collaborative environment, you will work with passionate peers on cutting‑edge projects where your unique voice and professional growth are top priorities. Join us to learn, innovate, and help shape the future of connection—one idea at a time.

Your Impact

You are a passionate engineer skilled in low-level programming, networking protocols, and hardware-software integration, with strong communication and collaboration abilities. You thrive in solving complex challenges through innovation and precision, while being highly organized and process-driven. Your work develops and maintains critical software and tools that ensure hardware compatibility, network performance, and security for Cisco’s core products like operating systems, firmware, and networking stacks. By effectively managing your time and streamlining processes, you deliver high‑quality solutions that embed resilience and efficiency into global communications infrastructure, directly contributing to Cisco’s leadership in trusted, scalable networking technologies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (Associate's or Bachelor's) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field, with the expectation to continue enrollment following completion of the co‑op work term.
• Proficiency in C programming and experience working in embedded Linux environments, including a solid understanding of operating system fundamentals.
• Working knowledge of core networking principles, routing protocols, and general network architecture concepts.
• Hands‑on experience developing automation scripts (e.g., Python or Bash), utilizing CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions), and applying DevSecOps practices within software workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Conceptual understanding or hands‑on experience with AI/ML.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and security protocols.
• Experience with FPGA development.
• Knowledge of signal and power integrity, and PCB design.

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 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

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 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.

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.