Software Engineer I (Co-op) - United States

Engg; Maynard (MA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Cisco invites motivated undergraduates to join a software internship focused on designing and maintaining software platforms that power cutting-edge optical technology. You will work on core components, contribute to QA processes, and collaborate across teams to integrate software with hardware.

This role provides hands-on experience across the full software lifecycle. Ideal candidates are pursuing CS/SE degrees, with 1+ year experience in C/C++, Python, or Java, and a willingness to continue

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (Associate's or Bachelor's) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, IT, Data Science, or related field.
• Expected to continue enrollment after completion of the internship.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, or Java demonstrated by 1+ year of experience.
• Experience with software QA, unit testing, or debugging procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain robust software components for our optical platform solutions.
• Implement QA and testing protocols to ensure system reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate software with cutting-edge hardware.
• Debug complex issues to optimize system stability and user experience.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Java

QA testing

Debugging

Education

Undergraduate degree in CS/Software Eng

Tools

Linux

AWS

Azure

GCP

Databases

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

Acacia, now part of Cisco, creates intelligent optical transceivers using advanced photonic integration for global telecommunication networks. Our Hardware team consists of enthusiastic engineers who thrive on collaboration and innovation. We are a versatile group working on cutting-edge coherent modules for data center and long-haul markets. It is an exciting environment where team members support one another to achieve the future of industry-first technological breakthroughs.

Your Impact

You will play a vital role in designing and maintaining the crucial technology platforms, such as operating systems and networks, that power the future of global connectivity. By working closely with cross-functional teams, you will build stable, user-friendly software while considering the critical interplay between software and hardware components. This role offers you the opportunity to influence product design and gain hands‑on experience in the entire software development lifecycle.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and maintain robust software components for our optical platform solutions.
• Implement QA and testing protocols to ensure system reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate software with cutting‑edge hardware.
• Debug complex issues to optimize system stability and user experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (Associate's or Bachelor's) -Qualifying education should be in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related field.
• - Expected to continue enrollment in degree program following completion of the internship.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, or Java, demonstrated through 1+ year of experience in an academic, project, or professional capacity.
• Previous experience with software QA, unit testing, or debugging procedures in an academic, project, or professional capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Linux environments and core operating system concepts.
• Understanding of modern computer networking principles and protocols.
• Experience deploying web applications or services using cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Exposure to database management and back‑end web service development.
• Foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles applied within a software environment.

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