Apprentice Software Developer Jobs in San Jose, CA

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.

Our dedicated team is building the future of Cisco’s AI-driven platforms and data infrastructure, driving innovation across the globe. You will join teams focused on developing advanced data pipelines, machine learning infrastructure, and analytics platforms for business-critical initiatives. As part of this collaborative environment, you will contribute to the advancement of emerging technologies in data and intelligent systems. Explore the opportunities at the intersection of backend engineering and AI, helping to transform how Cisco and its customers harness information and intelligent automation.

As a passionate software engineer, you bring expertise in developing scalable backend systems, designing robust analytics platforms, and building infrastructure to support modern cloud and distributed computing initiatives. Your strong background in programming, distributed systems, and cloud platforms enables you to solve complex challenges with innovation and precision. By building and maintaining key software tools and backend infrastructure, you empower Cisco’s business groups to leverage AI and data-driven insights for operational excellence and strategic growth. Your contributions ensure high-quality, reliable platforms that support Cisco’s leadership in intelligent, scalable technology solutions.

• Completion within the past 3 years, or current enrollment with expected completion within 12 months, of a certification or degree program (e.g., Associates, Apprenticeship, Boot Camp, or Certification in a specialized program + 3 years of relevant experience, High School Diploma + 4 years of relevant experience, Bachelors + 2 years of relevant experience) or Masters + 0 years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in at least one backend programming language: C/C++, Java, or Go.
• Experience designing and developing microservices and APIs.
• Strong understanding of Linux and fundamental networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.

• Conceptual understanding of AI/ML.
• Experience with automation and software testing (e.g., pyTest).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines.
• Knowledge of networking protocols such as BGP and VLANs.

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 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:

$123,600.00 - $200,100.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$109,900.00 - $181,600.00

* 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.