Software Engineer Security & Automation Intern

Introduction

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.

This role may be eligible for remote work in the United States depending on business needs and hiring manager approval.

Applications are accepted until further notice.

Meet the Team

Our dedicated team members are building the future of Cisco’s AI-driven platforms and data infrastructure, supporting innovation across the globe. You will join a collaborative environment focused on developing advanced data pipelines, secure cloud infrastructure, and automation solutions within business groups such as Security and Infra & Security (Compute, Cloud, Security teams). As part of this innovative team, you will contribute to the growth of cutting-edge technologies in data, intelligent systems, and cybersecurity automation. Explore opportunities at the intersection of security engineering, automation, and AI—helping to transform how Cisco and its customers harness secure, intelligent automation.

Your Impact as a Software Engineer Security & Automation Intern

As a passionate software engineer, you will play a critical role in developing scalable, secure data pipelines, designing robust analytics platforms, and building automation infrastructure to support Cisco’s security and cloud initiatives. Your expertise in programming, data systems, and cybersecurity allows you to solve complex challenges with innovation and precision. By building and maintaining essential security tools and automation platforms, you enable Cisco’s business groups to leverage AI-driven, secure, and automated insights for operational excellence and strategic growth. Your contributions ensure reliable, high-quality, and secure infrastructure that supports Cisco’s leadership in intelligent, security-first technology solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a certification program (e.g., Boot Camp, Apprenticeship, Community College), or currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
• Experience in writing, debugging, and maintaining code in Python or other scripting languages (e.g., Bash) to automate tasks, workflows, and processes.
• Understanding of security protocols and principles (e.g., TLS/SSL, SSH, OAuth, SAML, IPsec), and familiarity using common cybersecurity tools.
• Experience with DevOps/DevSecOps practices, including integrating security into CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions) and applying cloud security concepts and automation tools within software development and deployment workflows.
• Able to legally live and work in the country for which you're applying, without visa support or sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts, algorithms, and basic implementation techniques.
• Familiarity with securing cloud environments, including knowledge of cloud security best practices and commonly used security tools.
• Experience or coursework related to securing containerized applications (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), including vulnerability assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Hands-on experience writing and executing automated tests for Python applications using the pytest framework.

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.

Key skills/competency

• Software Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Automation
• Data Pipelines
• Cloud Security
• DevOps
• Scripting
• AI/ML Concepts
• Vulnerability Assessment
• Problem Solving