Join Cisco as a Hardware Engineer I Intern in Austin, TX, and dive into the heart of networking innovation. This role is pivotal for developing next-generation hardware that drives Cisco's mission to transform how people connect, communicate, and collaborate worldwide. As an intern, you'll gain invaluable experience contributing to high-impact projects that shape the future of secure, reliable networking solutions, making a tangible difference in a company renowned for its technological leadership. In this dynamic internship, you'll engage in hands-on hardware design and development daily, collaborating closely with senior engineers on schematic capture and PCB layout using industry-standard tools like Cadence Allegro. Weekly, expect to prototype and assemble boards, perform rigorous testing with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and spectrum analyzers to validate signal integrity and performance metrics. Monthly deliverables include detailed design reviews, documentation of test results, and optimization reports targeting key metrics such as power efficiency and thermal management. You'll partner with cross-functional teams including software engineers for firmware integration, manufacturing for production readiness, and quality assurance to ensure compliance with Cisco's stringent standards. Participate in debug sessions to resolve complex issues, contribute to proof-of-concept projects for emerging technologies like 400G Ethernet, and support lab maintenance to uphold a safe, efficient workspace. These tasks build your expertise while directly impacting product roadmaps. To succeed, candidates must be pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with junior or senior standing and an expected graduation within the next year. Prior coursework or projects in digital/analog circuit design, RF fundamentals, and embedded systems is essential. Proficiency in hardware description languages like Verilog or VHDL, along with experience in EDA tools such as Cadence or Altium, is required. Familiarity with networking protocols, PCIe, and high-speed interfaces is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment complete the profile; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency may be necessary for certain projects due to export regulations. Beyond technical prowess, this role demands excellent analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and effective communication skills for presenting findings in team meetings. You'll exhibit adaptability in a collaborative setting, a passion for innovation, and the ability to learn quickly from mentors. Competencies in time management and documentation ensure smooth project execution, while teamwork fosters the creative problem-solving central to Cisco's engineering culture. Cisco, a global leader in networking and cybersecurity, empowers an inclusive, innovative culture where employees thrive. Based in Austin's vibrant tech hub, our team operates in a modern facility blending collaborative open spaces with focused labs. We value diversity, work-life balance, and bold ideas, offering a supportive environment that celebrates achievements and fuels career growth through mentorship programs and hackathons. Compensation for this internship is competitive and not specified publicly, reflecting Cisco's commitment to fair pay. Interns enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and wellness programs. Additional perks encompass flexible hours, potential housing stipends for relocation, employee discounts, and access to state-of-the-art facilities with gym and cafeteria services. This internship paves the way for full-time opportunities at Cisco, with structured development paths from engineer to leadership roles. Engage in training sessions, certifications like CCNA, and rotational programs to accelerate your career. Apply via Cisco's careers portal today to start your journey toward impactful contributions in hardware engineering.