Embedded Software Engineer - New Grad

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 110,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Company matching retirement plans

Employee stock purchase program

Paid holidays & vacation

Job summary

Ciena in Ottawa is seeking a co-op/intern in embedded software to work on real-time platform and application code. You’ll gain exposure to interfaces across hardware and software, building reliable and scalable capabilities for multiple product areas.

The role emphasizes hands-on development with C/C++, Python/Bash, and modern revision control tools, in a flexible, inclusive environment that supports growth and learning.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer or electrical engineering, CS
• Previous internship, co-op, or applied project experience relevant to the role
• C or C++ coding experience, plus scripting basics (Python/Bash)

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain real-time embedded platform and application software.
• Develop hardware and software interfaces that bridge abstraction layers.
• Build fault and alarm subsystems to detect, report, and manage defects.
• Create system applications for traffic protection, equipment protection, and performance monitoring.
• Develop platform interfaces that abstract low-level software and hardware components.

Skills

C/C++

Python/Bash

Git

RTOS knowledge

Multithreading

Design patterns

Debugging tools

Education

Bachelor's or Master's student

Tools

Git

Bitbucket

Gerrit

Jira

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.

Join a team developing real-time embedded software for flagship networking products. This opportunity provides exposure to platform and application software spanning hardware interfaces, system services, and embedded application development. Contributions help enable reliable, scalable software capabilities across multiple product areas.

How you will make an impact:

• Design, implement, and maintain real-time embedded platform and application software.
• Develop hardware and software interfaces that bridge abstraction layers.
• Build fault and alarm subsystems to detect, report, and manage defects.
• Create system applications for traffic protection, equipment protection, and performance monitoring.
• Develop platform interfaces that abstract low-level software and hardware components.

The must haves:

• Education: Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer or electrical engineering, computer science, or similar disciplines
• Experience: Previous internship, co-op, or applied project experience relevant to the role.
• Coding with C or C++
• High-level programming and scripting languages such as Python or bash
• Knowledge of software revision control systems such as git
• Familiarity with software design patterns (e.g., blocking vs non-blocking, multithreading)

Nice to haves:

• Developing software for embedded systems or telecom products
• Understanding of real-time operating systems and embedded systems
• Software development tools such as git, BitBucket, Gerrit, Jira, etc.
• Unit test frameworks such as Google Test, JUnit, Robot, PyTest, Unity and the like
• Debuggers and tools (e.g., gdb), especially for troubleshooting embedded systems
• Software development methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall
• Bare metal programming

Pay Range:

The annual pay range for this role is $68,800 - $109,800

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 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.