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.
Next-Generation Wireless Software
MEET THE TEAM
The Cisco Wireless team develops the full software stack for our industry-leading wireless solutions. From low-level firmware and kernel drivers to complex cloud-managed applications, we build the connectivity that powers the world.
YOUR IMPACT
Ready to undertake an internship lasting 6 months, starting around February 2027?
You will work alongside senior engineers engaged in designing and creating the next Wi-Fi solutions and products. You will operate on wireless software, working within both kernel and user space on current and future Access Point (AP) platforms.
The tasks you may be involved in include:
- Contribute to the development of emerging Wi-Fi standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 8 and 9).
- Develop and optimize open-source wireless drivers and kernel-space components.
- Improve and harden hostap implementations for carrier-grade stability.
- Collect and analyze performance data to drive architectural improvements in future software releases.
- Leverage AI-based development tools to accelerate design, prototyping and testing.
You will be mentored by industry experts in networking, gaining deep exposure to the challenges of scaling wireless technology globally.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong academic record.
- Proven proficiency in C/C++.
- Solid foundational knowledge of computer networking.
- Eagerness to tackle complex technical challenges in a collaborative team environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Hands-on experience with Linux kernel development or driver architecture.
- Familiarity with 802.11 standards and Wi-Fi functionality.
- Experience with network protocol analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark).
- Experience working with version control systems (e.g., Git, Gerrit).
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.
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Strong academic record
- Proficiency in C/C++
- Foundational knowledge of computer networking
- Willingness to tackle complex technical challenges collaboratively
- Experience with Linux kernel development or driver architecture
- Familiarity with 802.11 standards and Wi-Fi functionality
- Experience with network protocol analysis tools such as Wireshark
- Experience with version control systems such as Git or Gerrit
Cisco Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cisco and has not been reviewed or approved by Cisco.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as broad, with medical options including PPOs, high-deductible plans, and regional HMOs. Feedback suggests robust wellness and mental-health resources, with some locations offering on-site support and second medical opinions.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is highlighted through paid holidays, paid time off, and additional recharge days such as “Days for Me,” with generous volunteer time also mentioned. Feedback suggests these programs help support rest, volunteering, and critical life events.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support appears extensive, including paid child-bonding leave, family medical leave, and caregiving resources. Observations also point to family-planning assistance and adoption or surrogacy support in some regions.
Cisco Insights
What We Do
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) enables people to make powerful connections--whether in business, education, philanthropy, or creativity. Cisco hardware, software, and service offerings are used to create the Internet solutions that make networks possible--providing easy access to information anywhere, at any time. Cisco was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company's inception, Cisco engineers have been leaders in the development of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technologies. Today, with more than 71,000 employees worldwide, this tradition of innovation continues with industry-leading products and solutions in the company's core development areas of routing and switching, as well as in advanced technologies such as home networking, IP telephony, optical networking, security, storage area networking, and wireless technology. In addition to its products, Cisco provides a broad range of service offerings, including technical support and advanced services. Cisco sells its products and services, both directly through its own sales force as well as through its channel partners, to large enterprises, commercial businesses, service providers, and consumers.
