At F5, we strive to bring a better digital world to life. Our teams empower organizations across the globe to create, secure, and run applications that enhance how we experience our evolving digital world. We are passionate about cybersecurity, from protecting consumers from fraud to enabling companies to focus on innovation.
Everything we do centers around people. That means we obsess over how to make the lives of our customers, and their customers, better. And it means we prioritize a diverse F5 community where each individual can thrive.
Position Summary
The Datapath Engineer Intern will support the development, testing, and validation of low-level datapath software across F5 hardware platforms. In this role, you will work closely with experienced datapath and systems engineers to implement features, execute test plans, debug issues, and assist with automation. This internship provides hands-on experience with Linux systems programming, device drivers / hardware abstraction, board bring-up, and hardware–software integration in a fast-paced engineering environment.
Eligibility: This internship is open to students pursuing their bachelor’s or master’s degree at an accredited college or university in the US, planning to graduate between December 2026 and June 2027. Our interns – and their conversion role - are required to be based on one of our US hub locations where you can experience a hybrid working environment. This role is based in Spokane, WA. Interns are expected to relocate.
Responsibilities
- Assist in developing, debugging, and testing datapath software components under the guidance of senior engineers.
- Implement and validate software that configures and controls datapath-related hardware (e.g., NICs, switches, accelerators) through drivers, SDKs, and hardware abstraction layers.
- Execute test plans for datapath functionality (packet I/O, link bring-up, throughput/latency measurements, feature validation); document findings and follow through on fixes and retests.
- Support hardware–software integration activities on evaluation or prototype boards, including lab bring-up, instrumentation, and failure triage.
- Implement small modules, scripts, or utilities in C/C++ or Python to support feature development, validation, and test automation.
- Support build, CI/regression, and automation processes (updating scripts, maintaining test artifacts, improving developer workflows).
- Participate in code and design reviews and contribute feedback where applicable.
- Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, validation, and manufacturing teams to troubleshoot issues and collect data needed to drive problems to root cause.
Responsibilities will vary depending on level of experience.
Minimum Qualifications
Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Coursework or project experience involving systems programming (C/C++), embedded/systems concepts, or low-level software.
Familiarity with Linux fundamentals (processes, filesystems, networking basics) and comfort working in a command-line environment.
Academic or project exposure to hardware/software interfaces such as PCIe, I2C/I3C, SPI, UART, or USB.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, demonstrated curiosity, and willingness to learn.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Linux systems programming, shell scripting, and/or Python automation.
Exposure to datapath-adjacent topics such as Ethernet switching (PHY/MAC), packet processing, or networking protocols (IP/TCP/UDP).
Familiarity with low-level debugging and profiling tools (e.g., gdb, perf, tracing/logging workflows) and comfort reading datasheets/specs.
Interest in developing software close to hardware: driver bring-up, register-level debugging, bus troubleshooting, and performance-oriented engineering.
Why You’ll Love F5
Training & Mentoring: Develop your skills with comprehensive training and support from experienced mentors.
Wellness Weekends: Enjoy additional days off for rest and rejuvenation.
Continuous Learning: Embrace daily learning opportunities with autonomy and responsibility.
Intern Week: Gather with company leaders, fellow interns, and future colleagues for a fun and interactive week of events to celebrate interns and prepare you for a future at F5.
Path to Permanency: Excel in your internship and return to a full-time role in the same location after graduation!
F5 maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, geographic locations, and market conditions, as well as to reflect F5’s differing products, industries, and lines of business. The pay range referenced is as of the time of the job posting and is subject to change.
The Job Description is intended to be a general representation of the responsibilities and requirements of the job. However, the description may not be all-inclusive, and responsibilities and requirements are subject to change.
The hourly U.S. pay range for this position is: $35.00 - $53.00F5 maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, geographic locations, and market conditions, as well as to reflect F5’s differing products, industries, and lines of business. The pay range referenced is as of the time of the job posting and is subject to change.
You may also be offered incentive compensation, bonus, restricted stock units, and benefits. More details about F5’s benefits can be found at the following link: https://www.f5.com/company/careers/benefits. F5 reserves the right to change or terminate any benefit plan without notice.
Please note that F5 only contacts candidates through F5 email address (ending with @f5.com) or auto email notification from Workday (ending with f5.com or @myworkday.com).
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of F5 to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to unlawful considerations of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, sensory, physical, or mental disability, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, job assignment, compensation, promotion, benefits, training, discipline, and termination. F5 offers a variety of reasonable accommodations for candidates. Requesting an accommodation is completely voluntary. F5 will assess the need for accommodations in the application process separately from those that may be needed to perform the job. Request by contacting [email protected].
Top Skills
What We Do
F5 application services ensure that applications are always secure and perform the way they should—in any environment and on any device.
F5 (NASDAQ: FFIV) powers applications from development through their entire life cycle, across any multi-cloud environment, so our customers – enterprise businesses, service providers, governments, and consumer brands—can deliver differentiated, high-performing, and secure digital experiences.
