Apprentice Network Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

The application window is expected to close on: 08/26/2026

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team

Cisco Networking (CPO) builds the foundation of Cisco's core routing, switching, and security platforms that power enterprise and cloud infrastructure worldwide. You will be an essential contributor to the development of next-generation innovations across network operating systems, low-level platform architectures, and intelligent infrastructure. Our team combines deep hardware-software integration with modern software engineering practices to deliver ultra-reliable, high-performance connectivity. What makes this team exciting is the opportunity to work alongside industry-leading engineers on cutting-edge platforms like the Nexus 9000, gain hands-on experience with embedded systems, and help build technologies that transform how the world connects.

Your Impact

As a Software Engineer on our team, you will contribute to the design, development, debugging, and testing of high-performance platform software and device drivers for Cisco's Nexus 9000 switches and routers. Collaborate with senior engineers to write clear functional specifications and implement new software features across network security, Access Control Lists (ACLs), Quality of Service (QoS), and Control Plane Policing (CoPP). Develop and execute comprehensive system-level test automation using Python and CI/CD pipelines to validate hardware-software interactions and ensure zero-defect software releases. Apply core computer science theory and low-level programming skills to diagnose and resolve complex platform and operating system challenges. Success in this role means delivering resilient, efficient networking software that drives Cisco's trusted, scalable communications infrastructure globally.

Minimum Qualifications

• Meet one of the following (completed within the past 3 years or expected to be completed within the next 12 months): A Bachelor's degree with 0 years of work experience; OR an educational or workforce development program (e.g., Associate's, Apprenticeship, Boot camp, or Certification) with 1 year of work experience; OR a High school diploma (or equivalent) with 2 years of work experience. Qualifying education and work experience should be in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in C or C++ programming and experience with embedded Linux, including a solid understanding of operating system fundamentals.
• Familiarity with network principles and concepts, routing protocols, and general networking architectures (e.g., TCP/IP, OSI model).
• Hands-on experience with automation tools and scripting languages (such as Python or Bash), along with knowledge of CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions).
• Understanding of DevSecOps practices and their application in software development workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Conceptual understanding or hands-on experience exploring AI/ML technologies or AI-assisted developer workflows.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles, secure coding standards, and network security protocols.
• Exposure to device drivers, hardware-software integration, or low-level platform development on enterprise switches and routers.
• Familiarity with network security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), Quality of Service (QoS), or Control Plane Policing (CoPP).
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity to learn complex systems, and enthusiasm for collaborating in a cross-functional team environment.

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:The starting salary range posted for this position is $107,800.00 to $136,800.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

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 ofunused sick timecarried forwardfrom one calendar yearto the next

• Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members

• Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

• .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

• 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

• 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and

• Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:

$107,800.00 - $157,400.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$94,800.00 - $140,000.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.