Cisco Hiring Interns | Pay $44,000–$185,000/year | Apply Now

Cisco is hiring interns for the position of Hardware Engineer I (Intern) for 2026. Explore all the important details below and learn how you can apply for this highly respected opportunity in the hardware and semiconductor world!

About Cisco

Cisco is one of the most influential technology companies of our time — powering the digital foundation of businesses, governments, and service providers in more than 100+ countries. From secure networking to cloud connectivity, Cisco creates the hardware and software that keep the internet running.

What makes Cisco stand out is its commitment to building technology that improves how people connect, collaborate, and work. Their products touch billions of users, and their teams constantly innovate in networking, AI-powered infrastructure, cybersecurity, and next-generation hardware design. Cisco is a pioneer of workplace culture as well — known for mentorship, employee well-being, and opportunities to grow without limits.

Internship Overview

• 📌 Position: Hardware Engineer I (Intern)

• 📍 Location: Multiple U.S. Cities (San Jose, Atlanta, Allentown, Austin, Carlsbad, Research Triangle Park)

• 🗓 Duration: 10–12 weeks (typical summer internship)

• ⏱ Time Commitment: Full-Time, Hybrid

Unique Insight:
Hardware engineering internships at Cisco are not just about observing — interns work directly on real products used across the world. It’s one of the rare places where you can touch every part of the hardware lifecycle: circuit design, board layout, system validation, testing, and lab-based debugging. For students aiming for careers in semiconductors or high-performance systems, this program offers exposure that very few companies match.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Hardware Engineering Intern, you’ll collaborate with deeply experienced engineers across multiple hardware domains. Your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting ASIC design, board-level architecture, and circuit development
• Working with hardware testing tools — oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters
• Designing test setups and conducting validation experiments
• Assisting with circuit board layout and hardware automation
• Analyzing hardware performance and suggesting improvements
• Supporting product development through lab testing and documentation
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams — hardware, software, manufacturing, and supply chain
• Troubleshooting system-level hardware issues and preparing reports

Unique Career Insight:
Cisco allows interns to follow the complete journey — from concept to high-volume manufacturing. This helps you build a mindset that combines engineering precision with real-world product thinking.

Qualifications & Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program (Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields)
• Basic understanding of hardware engineering principles
• Experience with design tools (Altium, Cadence, Mentor Graphics, etc.)
• Familiarity with debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, etc.)
• Strong analytical and technical problem-solving abilities
• Good communication and ability to work in cross-functional teams
• Eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship
• Optional: Knowledge of scripting or programming (Python, MATLAB, C/C++)

Application Tip:
Highlight hands-on lab experience — class projects, FPGA boards, embedded systems, robotics teams, or any hardware you’ve actually built. Cisco values practical skills more than theoretical knowledge.

Benefits & Perks

• Pay: $44,000 – $185,000 per year (location dependent)
• Access to world-class engineering labs
• Mentorship from senior hardware engineers
• 401(k) matching + health insurance (U.S. only)
• Paid holiday shutdown + wellness days
• Opportunities for full-time return offers
• Work with cutting-edge AI-era networking technology
• Hands-on exposure to next-generation chip and board design

Unique Insight:
Cisco treats interns like future engineers. Many interns get invited back for full-time roles, especially those who show discipline, curiosity, and the ability to collaborate across multiple engineering groups.

Important Dates

• 🗓 Application Deadline: Apply ASAP

• 📅 Internship Start Date: Summer 2026

How to Apply