Software Engineer Backend/Platform Systems I (Intern) – United States

Filled
February 20, 2026
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Job Description

🏢 Company Overview

Company: Cisco

Cisco is a global leader in networking, security, and cloud solutions. For over 40 years, Cisco has been innovating to power how humans and technology work together across physical and digital environments. In the AI era and beyond, Cisco is building intelligent, secure, and scalable platforms that help organizations connect, protect, and automate their digital infrastructure.

💼 Job Details

  • Position Title: Software Engineer Backend/Platform Systems I (Intern)
  • Location: United States
  • Employment Type: Internship
  • Application Status: Ongoing (Future Opportunities – Role may open soon)
  • Job Code: ProductIntern26

👥 Meet the Team

You will join a team building the future of Cisco’s AI-driven platforms and data infrastructure. The team focuses on:

  • Advanced data pipelines
  • Machine learning infrastructure
  • Analytics platforms
  • Business-critical backend systems

This is a collaborative environment where backend engineering meets AI and intelligent systems, helping transform how Cisco and its customers use data and automation.

🚀 Your Impact

As a Backend/Platform Engineering Intern, you will:

  • Develop scalable backend systems
  • Design and maintain analytics platforms
  • Build infrastructure for cloud and distributed computing
  • Support AI-driven applications and intelligent automation initiatives
  • Contribute to high-quality, reliable backend platforms

Your work will directly support Cisco’s leadership in intelligent, scalable, and secure technology solutions.

🎓 Minimum Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in:
    • A certification program (Boot Camp, Apprenticeship, Community College), or
    • An undergraduate degree program
  • Proficiency in at least one backend language:
    • C/C++
    • Java
    • Go
  • Experience designing and developing microservices and APIs
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Linux
    • Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms:
    • AWS
    • Azure
    • GCP

⭐ Preferred Qualifications

  • Conceptual understanding of AI/ML
  • Experience with automation and testing tools (e.g., pyTest)
  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines
  • Knowledge of networking protocols such as:
    • BGP
    • VLANs

💰 Compensation & Benefits (U.S. Employees)

Compensation depends on:

  • Location
  • Market conditions
  • Skills and experience
  • Education and certifications

📍 Salary Range (Selected Locations)

  • New York City Metro Area: $44,000 – $185,000
  • Non-Metro New York State & Washington State: $44,000 – $185,000

🏥 Benefits Include

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with Cisco matching contribution
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) (eligible roles)

🏖 Paid Time Off (U.S.)

  • 10 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday
  • 1 Paid Birthday Off
  • Year-End Holiday Shutdown
  • 4 Wellness Days
  • 16 Days Paid Vacation (Non-Exempt Employees)
  • Flexible Vacation Program (Exempt Employees)
  • 80 Hours Sick Leave (with carry-forward option)
  • Up to 10 Paid Volunteer Days

Additional time may be granted for emergency family needs.

🎯 Sales Incentive Information (If Applicable)

For employees on sales plans:

  • Performance-based incentive pay
  • No minimum performance threshold for incentive compensation
  • Incentives scale progressively beyond 100% quota attainment

🌍 Why Cisco?

Cisco is redefining how infrastructure, data, and AI connect organizations worldwide. With a global network of innovators and experts, Cisco empowers employees to grow, experiment, and create impactful solutions at scale.

If you’re passionate about backend engineering, distributed systems, and AI-driven infrastructure, this internship offers a powerful opportunity to gain hands-on experience at a global technology leader.