Embedded Software Engineer – New Grad (Real-Time Systems)

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 66,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Ottawa is seeking a developer for real-time embedded software for their flagship product. Responsibilities include implementing system applications and designing hardware drivers. Candidates should be studying computer or electrical engineering, with skills in C/C++. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits in a supportive culture.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

401(K) with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Paid sick leave

Vacation time

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a relevant degree program.
• Experience with C or C++ programming.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain embedded platform software.
• Develop software for Linux and VxWorks.
• Create drivers for ASICs and FPGAs.

Skills

C or C++

Embedded Systems

Linux Command Line

Software Development

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

VS Code

Eclipse

Git

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.

How You Will Contribute:

At Ciena you will design, implement, and maintain real-time embedded platform and application software for our flagship 6500 product. In your role, you will have a mentor and work alongside industry experts, gain hands-on experience, and help shape the future of optical networking by:

• Implementing system applications for traffic/equipment protection, configuration provisioning, and alarm notifications for Optical Traffic circuit packs.
• Developing software for Linux and VxWorks kernels and base components.
• Designing drivers for proprietary and third-party ASICs, FPGAs, and other hardware components.
• Bridging hardware/software abstraction layers to ensure seamless integration.
• Fault and alarms subsystems to detect, report and maintain defect tracking.
• Learn software development best practices to facilitate product delivery to our extensive customer field deployment across the world.

Must Haves:

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master's degree in computer or electrical engineering, computer science, or similar disciplines.
• Experience with C or C++

Assets:

• Developing software for embedded systems or telecom products
• Experience with the Linux command line and development tools such as VS Code & Eclipse
• Understanding of CPU hardware architectures, hardware functional specifications, hardware timing diagrams, device data sheets
• Understanding of real-time operating systems and embedded systems
• Software development tools such as git, BitBucket, Gerrit, Jira
• Unit test frameworks such as Google Test, PyTest, JUnit, Robot, and the like
• Debuggers and tools (e.g., gdb), especially for troubleshooting embedded systems in user and kernel spaces.
• High-level programming and scripting languages such as Python, bash, LUA, and Perl
• YANG modeling language and toolchains
• Software development methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall
• Familiarity with datacom and telecom concepts such as DWDM, SONET/SDH, OTN, Ethernet, OSI Model, TCP/IP, MPLS, OSR

The annual pay range for this position is $66,400-106,000.

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.

Ciena is 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.