Software Engineer ; Co-op

Acacia, now part of Cisco, creates intelligent optical transceivers using advanced photonic integration for global telecommunication networks. Our Hardware team consists of enthusiastic engineers who thrive on collaboration and innovation. We are a versatile group working on cutting-edge coherent modules for data center and long-haul markets. It is an exciting environment where team members support one another to achieve the future of industry-first technological breakthroughs.

You will play a vital role in designing and maintaining the crucial technology platforms, such as operating systems and networks, that power the future of global connectivity. By working closely with cross-functional teams, you will build stable, user-friendly software while considering the critical interplay between software and hardware components. This role offers you the opportunity to influence product design and gain hands‑on experience in the entire software development lifecycle.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and maintain robust software components for our optical platform solutions.
• Implement QA and testing protocols to ensure system reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate software with cutting‑edge hardware.
• Debug complex issues to optimize system stability and user experience.

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (Associate's or Bachelor's)
• Qualifying education should be in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related field.
• Expected to continue enrollment in degree program following completion of the internship.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, or Java, demonstrated through 1+ year of experience in an academic, project, or professional capacity.
• Previous experience with software QA, unit testing, or debugging procedures in an academic, project, or professional capacity.

• Familiarity with Linux environments and core operating system concepts.
• Understanding of modern computer networking principles and protocols.
• Experience deploying web applications or services using cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Exposure to database management and back-end web service development.
• Foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles applied within a software environment.

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.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which…