Forward Networks is transforming how the world’s most complex networks are managed and secured. Founded in 2013 by four Stanford Ph.D.s, we built the industry’s first network digital twin — a mathematically precise model of the production network that gives IT teams unmatched visibility, verification, and agility across every major cloud and vendor environment.
Our customers include global leaders such as Goldman Sachs, PayPal, S&P Global, IBM, and Dell, as well as fast-growing enterprises and government agencies. According to IDC, Forward Networks customers realize an average of $14.2 million in annual benefits through improved efficiency and security.
Backed by world-class investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Goldman Sachs, MSD Partners, and Threshold Ventures, Forward Networks offers a people-centric, innovative culture where brilliant minds are shaping the future of network reliability, security, and AI-ready operations.
About the Role
As a Software Engineer Intern at Forward Networks, you will collaborate closely with senior engineers and contribute meaningful, production-ready solutions. You’ll gain hands-on experience across systems and technologies while building skills in design, implementation, and testing. Each intern is supported by a dedicated manager, and every project is aligned with the team’s roadmap to ensure real impact.
What You’ll Do
- Develop high-performance, reliable, testable and maintainable code.
- Contribute to all stages of development from initial design and coding to thorough testing, code reviews, and comprehensive API documentation.
- Collaborate with engineers and participate in daily or weekly stand ups and meetings.
- Grow with the support of your team and help others on the team grow by providing thoughtful feedback and uplifting those around you.
- Execute tasks both independently and as part of a collaborative team, ensuring clear, positive, and professional communication throughout the development cycle.
- Additional responsibilities as needed based on the specific role or team
What You Need To Succeed
- Rising senior enrolled full time and pursuing a Bachelor's or Master’s in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience
- Previous related experience in software engineering (applicable coursework, projects, internships, etc.)
- Proficiency and experience with at least one or more of the following: Java, C++, JavaScript, Python
- Familiar with the software development lifecycle - designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining applications
- Results-oriented, with ability and interest in learning new technologies and adapting quickly to new requirements and environments
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; can effectively articulate complex ideas and influence others through well-reasoned explanations.
Internship is based in Santa Clara, onsite, full-time (minimum 3 months)
Internship hourly rates are set at a standard pay of $40 per hour.
Forward Networks Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Forward Networks and has not been reviewed or approved by Forward Networks.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered competitive for a mid-stage infrastructure/software company across several roles and locations. Signals point to strong totals in technical and select go-to-market positions.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity is broadly offered to all employees, creating ownership potential alongside salary and bonus. As a private company, perceived value can rise with company performance and future liquidity.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage is described as top-grade for employees and dependents. Company materials consistently highlight strong core health benefits across hiring channels.
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What We Do
The future of network operations is network modeling. Forward Networks' flagship platform Forward Enterprise gives users a mathematically accurate network digital twin. Forward enables perfect network visibility, full path analysis, security policy verification, and change prediction, freeing up time and saving you money.
