Software Engineer Security & Automation I (Intern) – United States

About the Role

This posting is for potential job opportunities at Cisco. The exact role might not be open today but could open in the near future. If a relevant position opens, a Cisco representative may contact you directly.

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

Join a dedicated team building the future of Cisco’s AI-driven platforms and data infrastructure. You'll work in a collaborative environment focused on developing advanced data pipelines, secure cloud infrastructure, and automation solutions within business groups like Security and Infra & Security (Compute, Cloud, Security teams). Contribute to cutting-edge technologies in data, intelligent systems, and cybersecurity automation, exploring opportunities at the intersection of security engineering, automation, and AI.

Your Impact

As a Software Engineer Intern, 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 programming, data systems, and cybersecurity expertise will be used to solve complex challenges. You will build and maintain essential security tools and automation platforms, enabling business groups to leverage AI-driven, secure, and automated insights for operational excellence and strategic growth. Your contributions will ensure reliable, high-quality, and secure infrastructure supporting 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?

Cisco is revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era. With 40 years of innovation, we create solutions that power human-technology collaboration across physical and digital worlds, offering unparalleled security, visibility, and insights. You'll join a network of doers and experts, with limitless opportunities for growth and development in a collaborative, empathetic team environment.

Compensation and Benefits

Individual pay is determined by location, market conditions, skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and training. Specific salary ranges for certain locations (e.g., New York City Metro Area, Non-Metro New York/Washington State) are provided, with ranges up to $185,000.00. Recruiters can share more details during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and life insurance. Employees may also be eligible for Cisco restricted stock units. Paid time away includes holidays, personal wellness days, vacation time, sick time, and volunteer days. Non-sales roles may be eligible for annual bonuses. Sales roles have performance-based incentive pay structures.

Key skills/competency

• Software Engineering
• Security Engineering
• Automation
• Python
• DevOps
• DevSecOps
• Cloud Security
• Data Pipelines
• Cybersecurity
• CI/CD