Software Engineer Embedded Systems II (Intern) – United States

Engg; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cisco Product Internship Program offers a 12-week summer experience for early-career talent to work on high-impact teams, building low-level software and embedded Linux skills. You’ll contribute to secure, reliable networking platforms while learning through targeted sessions and leadership engagement.

You’ll dive into C and OS fundamentals, automate with Python and Bash, and collaborate across teams to understand product architectures shaping Cisco’s future in the AI era.

Qualifications

• Proficient in C with experience in embedded Linux through academic, personal, or professional projects.
• Working knowledge of operating systems, routing, or networking fundamentals.
• Hands-on experience with automation or scripting tools: Python, Bash, or Jenkins.

Responsibilities

• Dive deep into C and embedded Linux to build low-level software for Cisco infrastructure.
• Apply networking and OS fundamentals to real infrastructure and automate workflows with Python and Bash.
• Contribute to security-focused development practices and DevSecOps workflows.

Skills

C

embedded Linux

operating systems

routing

networking fundamentals

Python

Bash

Jenkins

DevSecOps

Education

Undergraduate degree (Associate or Bachelor) with 2 years experience

Master’s degree with 0 years experience

Tools

Jenkins

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 accepted until further notice

Meet the Team

The Cisco Product Organization is the engine behind the platforms, technologies, and solutions defining the next generation of connectivity. Spanning AI Software & Platforms, Core Product Engineering, Collaboration, Security, Networking, Silicon, and Observability, we build the critical infrastructure that powers the digital world. Millions of people rely on our platforms every day, and our teams work together to build, refine, and scale products that drive meaningful impact. We are a team of passionate innovators, united by our curiosity, collaboration, and dedication to helping one another do our best work. Ready to help us build what's next?

The Cisco Product Internship Program

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.

Your Impact

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in one of the following: - An undergraduate degree program (Associate's or Bachelor's) with 2 years of work experience ; or - A Master’s degree program with 0 years of work experience.
• Qualifying education and work experience 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to cybersecurity fundamentals or security protocols.
• Familiarity with FPGA development.
• Understanding of at least two of: signal integrity, power integrity, or 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 volun