Network Intelligence Intern

About the Network Intelligence Team at Calix

The Network Intelligence team at Calix is looking for a Software Engineer Intern to enhance our coverage of Layer 7 application signatures, device typing patterns, protocol classification logic, and threat intelligence detection capabilities. As a vital part of the team powering Calix’s data-driven insights, you will contribute to building the foundational intelligence used across Calix platforms to identify applications, devices, and network behaviors. This role is perfect for a motivated third or fourth-year student eager to apply networking knowledge and analytical skills within a real-world broadband cybersecurity and intelligence setting. You will gain invaluable hands-on experience analyzing traffic, developing classification logic, and contributing to the industry’s leading broadband experience platform.

Internship Program Details

In this role, you will be part of Calix’s unique and award-winning internship program. This program offers extensive opportunities to acquire new skills through structured training and practical, on-the-job learning experiences. The internship is a full-time, remote Summer position, expected to last 90 days, and can be based anywhere in the United States or Canada.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze network traffic data and PCAPs to derive patterns, signatures, and classification rules for Layer 7 protocols and applications.
• Develop and enhance intelligence logic used for application identification, device typing, and threat detection.
• Implement classification tests, unit tests, and verification logic to ensure accuracy and coverage of new signatures.
• Utilize tools such as Wireshark to inspect flows, validate assumptions, and meticulously document protocol behaviors.
• Collaborate effectively with senior engineers to refine detection methods, evaluate edge cases, and address any gaps in existing intelligence libraries.
• Actively participate in peer reviews, technical discussions, and requirements clarifications as an integral part of the engineering lifecycle.
• Contribute to internal documentation, including comprehensive signature specifications, detailed detection logic descriptions, and thorough testing notes.
• Assist in identifying improvements to automation workflows, data analysis processes, or existing tooling.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you should meet the following qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate college degree program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related field. Preference will be given to students who have completed at least their junior or senior years and possess previous internship or work experience.
• Possess a strong understanding of networking fundamentals, including the OSI model, TCP/IP, Layer 7 protocols, and common application architectures.
• Demonstrated experience with at least one programming language commonly used for analysis or tooling.
• Proficiency in Linux environments.
• Availability to work for the complete summer break (typically May - August or June - September).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with protocol reverse-engineering or traffic pattern analysis.
• Familiarity with network security concepts or threat detection fundamentals.
• Exposure to automation frameworks or scripting for data analysis.

Key skills/competency

• Network Traffic Analysis
• Layer 7 Protocols
• Software Engineering
• Threat Detection
• Protocol Classification
• Wireshark
• Linux
• Programming Languages (e.g., Python)
• Cybersecurity
• Data Analysis