Embedded software engineer

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 136,337 - 210,600; Full time

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a senior embedded software engineer in Ottawa to design, code, and integrate embedded C/C++ on Linux and real‑time OS. You will own requirements, architecture, implementation, testing, and deliver scalable, high‑performance systems with ASIC/FPGA hardware interfaces.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with global teams, and support deployments, leveraging CoPilot AI tools to enhance development and test automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of embedded software engineering experience, preferably in telecom, networking, or datacom.
• 5+ years of C/C++ and embedded C experience with debugging tools (GDB, Valgrind).
• Working knowledge of coherent optical technology.
• Hands‑on FPGA/ASIC integration experience and SoC bring‑up.
• Knowledge of CPU architectures, hardware specs, and timing diagrams.
• Experience with Linux kernel/user-space drivers.
• Strong written and verbal communication for technical collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design, code, and integrate embedded C/C++ software on Linux and RTOS.
• Develop software interfacing with ASIC/FPGA hardware on SoC platforms.
• Own requirements, architecture design, implementation, testing, and delivery to customers.
• Collaborate with local and global teams to deliver high‑performance systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.
• Support field deployments and troubleshooting for smooth integration.

Skills

Embedded software

C/C++ programming

Linux/RTOS

Debugging tools

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

FPGA/ASIC integration

Yocto

Git

JIRA

Confluence

SoC platforms

Linux kernel drivers

Job description

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well‑being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

How You Will Contribute

• Design, code, and integrate embedded C/C++ software on Linux and real‑time operating systems.
• Develop software that interfaces with ASIC/FPGA hardware on SoC platforms.
• Own the full lifecycle: requirements gathering, architecture design, implementation, testing, and ensuring successful product delivery to customers.
• Collaborate with local and global teams to deliver scalable, high‑performance systems.
• Provide technical leadership by guiding and mentoring more junior engineers in the team, fostering collaboration and skill development.
• Support field teams during deployments and troubleshooting to ensure smooth integration and customer satisfaction.
• Leverage your experience with coherent optics, pluggable optical technology, OTN mapper or/and re‑timer devices (e.g., DIGI/G5/DX1/DX2) to improve hardware/software integration and system performance.
• Work comfortably with AI tools such as Co‑Pilot for tasks including, but not limited to, problem analysis, software development, test case generation and automation.

The Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in embedded software engineering, preferably in telecom, networking, or datacom industries.
• 5+ years of programming experience in C, C++, and embedded C, with proficiency in debugging tools (e.g., GDB, Valgrind).
• Working knowledge of coherent optical technology.
• Hands‑on experience with FPGA/ASIC integration, device bring‑up, and SoC platforms.
• Knowledge of CPU architectures, hardware specifications, and timing diagrams.
• Experience with Linux kernel and user‑space drivers.
• Strong foundation in embedded systems concepts: interrupts, synchronization, and inter‑process communication.
• Familiarity with telecom and networking protocols: DWDM, OTN, Ethernet, TCP/IP.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical collaboration.

Nice To Have

• Experience working with OTN mapper or/and re‑timer devices.
• Comfortable working with AI tools such as Co‑Pilot for software development and test case generation.
• Prototyping skills to explore solutions and refine designs.
• Experience designing large‑scale distributed embedded systems using microservice architectures.
• Knowledge of telecom standards such as G.709 and IEEE 802.3.
• Familiarity with data modeling (e.g., YANG).
• Experience with development tools: Git, JIRA, Confluence, or Yocto.

Pay Range

The salary range for this role is $96,200 - $148,600. Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available.

Non‑Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company‑paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.