Experienced Photonic Card Software Developer

Ciena Corporation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental plans

Vision plans

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Job summary

Ciena Corporation is seeking an embedded software engineer to design and develop high‑performance C/C++ software for modules running on Linux and VxWorks. You will implement RTOS networking features and contribute to automated testing as part of the development lifecycle.

You will collaborate with factory teams and external vendors to ensure reliable module delivery and optimal performance across networking systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in CS, Electrical/Software Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of embedded software development experience.
• Strong C/C++ programming for embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-performance C/C++ software for embedded systems on Linux or VxWorks.
• Implement real-time OS and networking functionality to meet performance requirements.
• Develop modular, scalable software aligned with system requirements.
• Design and implement automated tests and integrate them into the dev lifecycle.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and optimize embedded software for reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with factory teams to enable testing and calibration of new modules.
• Collaborate with peer teams and third-party vendors to align on requirements and delivery schedules.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Embedded systems

Linux

VxWorks

RTOS

Education

Master’s degree in CS/EE/SE

Bachelor’s degree in CS/EE/SE

Tools

Bitbucket

GitHub

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 delivering embedded software for RLS Interface Management modules that enable high-performance networking solutions. This role contributes to the design, testing, deployment, and optimization of embedded software across Linux and VxWorks environments. Success in this position supports reliable system performance through collaboration with factory teams, peer engineering teams, and third-party vendors.

How you will make an impact

• Design and develop high-performance C/C++ software for embedded systems operating on Linux or VxWorks platforms.
• Implement real-time operating system and networking protocol functionality to meet system performance and reliability requirements.
• Develop modular and scalable software solutions aligned with system requirements.
• Design and implement automated testing scripts and integrate testing activities into the development lifecycle.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and optimize embedded software to improve reliability, performance, and resource utilization.
• Collaborate with factory teams to enable testing and calibration of new modules.
• Collaborate with peer teams and third-party vendors to maintain alignment on software requirements, defect resolution, and delivery schedules.

The Must Haves

• Education: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering OR Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 3+ years of industry experience in embedded software development.
• Application of C/C++ programming for embedded systems.

Nice to Haves

• Knowledge of photonic technologies and their application in networking systems.
• Application of CPU hardware architectures, hardware functional specifications, hardware timing diagrams, and device data sheets.
• Experience developing software for data-driven architectures, YANG, REST, JSON, and XML.
• Utilization of Bitbucket or GitHub for version control and code collaboration.
• Application of real-time operating systems, networking protocols, and host application interactions with hardware devices and drivers.
• Familiarity with micro-service-based software architectures.
• Experience working with Linux or VxWorks platforms.

Pay Range

The salary range for this role is $79, 800 - $127, 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.

Benefits

• Medical plans
• Dental plans
• 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
• Vacation time
• Compliance 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.