Software Developer Embedded Systems I (Co-op) - Canada

Location: Kanata, Ontario, Canada

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.

Applications are accepted until further notice.

Meet the Team

Our dedicated team members are building the future of Cisco’s core networking platforms, operating systems, and intelligent embedded infrastructure, powering global connectivity. You will join engineering teams focused on developing high-performance routing and switching architectures, low-latency telemetry, and hardware-software integration within business groups such as Cisco Networking, Security & Trust, and Supply Chain. As part of this collaborative environment, you will contribute to the evolution of next-generation distributed platforms and mission-critical network systems. Explore the opportunities at the intersection of embedded software, networking protocols, and silicon systems, helping to transform how Cisco delivers resilient, high-speed digital experiences worldwide.

Your Impact

As an Embedded Systems Software Developer Co-op, you will contribute to the design, enhancement, and testing of foundational software powering Cisco’s networking platforms and intelligent devices. You will collaborate with experienced engineers and cross-functional teams to develop dependable software components, explore innovative technical approaches, and help solve real-world systems challenges. Engage in all phases of the software development lifecycle, from initial concept and prototyping to testing, debugging, and continuous improvement. Success in this role means learning industry best practices, applying your technical curiosity to complex systems, and delivering features that enhance the performance and reliability of our global products.

Minimum Qualifications

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (Associate's or Bachelor's)

Qualifying education should be in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.

Foundational programming and problem-solving skills in C or C++, with coursework or personal project experience in data structures, algorithms, and memory management.

Understanding of core computer science fundamentals, including operating systems concepts (processes, threads, concurrency) and basic networking principles (TCP/IP stack, Ethernet, routing/switching).

Familiarity with standard software development workflows in Linux environments and Git version control.

Preferred Qualifications

Hands-on academic or project experience with Embedded Linux, POSIX system calls, device drivers, or microcontroller programming.

Familiarity with networking protocols (such as BGP, OSPF, VLANs, or packet capture tools like Wireshark/tcpdump).

Experience scripting in Python or Bash for test automation, build systems, or CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions).

Exposure to hardware/software co-design, FPGA fundamentals, or low-level debugging using GDB and JTAG.

Strong analytical troubleshooting skills, eager technical curiosity, and an ability to collaborate effectively in an agile engineering team.

Why Cisco?

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.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

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 include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks.  Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco’s policies:

10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees

1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco

Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees

Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)

80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next

Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or em