Embedded Software Engineer Co-Op (September 2025)

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; Full time

Job summary

Ciena, a global leader in high-speed connectivity, is seeking a co-op student for a 4-12 month term in Ottawa. This role focuses on developing embedded, real-time software for telecommunications systems and supports testing activities. Candidates should be in the 2nd year or greater of an Engineering or Computer Science Bachelor’s degree, ideally with previous co-op experience. The position offers competitive pay alongside benefits such as company-paid holidays and paid sick leave.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid sick leave

Company-paid holidays

Qualifications

• 2nd year or greater in an Engineering or Computer Science Bachelor’s degree.
• Preferably with prior co-op experience in related fields.

Responsibilities

• Development of embedded, real-time software for telecommunications systems.
• Coding and testing of software.
• Support testing activities in the release where feature is delivered.

Skills

Embedded C

C++

Python

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Git

Eclipse

JIRA

Linux development environment

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

Our team design and implement real-time embedded software for Ciena’s flagship product – optical coherent modem which is to be integrated into multiple internal and external platforms. Functional areas range from register level bit drivers to high level software state machines for interfacing with external applications:

• Drivers - to configure and maintain in-house and 3rd party ASICs, FPGAs and other hardware components.

• HSI (hardware/software interface) – to provide bridging of various abstraction layers.

• Fault and alarms subsystems - to detect, report and maintain defects and manage their hysteresis and co-relations.

• System application such as traffic/equipment protection, performance monitoring, etc.

• System provisioning / configuration in conformance of telecom standarda such as OTN, Ethernet, etc.

The Opportunity

4, 8, or 12 Month Term: September 2025 - August 2026

Key Responsibilities

• Development of embedded, real-time software for telecommunications systems

• Coding and testing of software

• Support of testing activities in the release where feature is delivered

• Working closely with Senior Designers who will provide mentoring and coaching

• Collaborating with other design teams and support organizations

Areas of impact

• Problem Solving and analysis

• Contributing to your team

• Innovation

• Communication

• Scripting and Embedded C programming

Educational and Experience Requirements

• 2nd year or greaterin an Engineering or Computer Science Bachelor’s degree, preferably with prior co-op experience in related fields.

Assets

One or more skills in the following areas would be an asset:

• Embedded C, C++, Python

• Real-time OS and embedded systems

• Agile development methodologies

• Messaging interfaces Netconf, REST/HTTP, gRPC

• Design and development tools such as: Git, Eclipse, JIRA, Confluence, GDB, Yocto

• YANG modeling language and toolchains

• Linux development environment

• Automation and Test

Pay Range

The pay range for this position is $24.50-$33.00

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.

In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers students access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation pay as required by applicable laws.

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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 anEqual 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.