Hardware Design Co-Op (Summer 2026)

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Ottawa is seeking an enthusiastic co-op designer to join its hardware development team. The role involves working on Ciena’s Switching products, executing hardware verification plans, and debugging prototype hardware. Desired candidates should possess excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, along with a foundational understanding of high-speed signaling and circuit designs. The position offers a pay range of $24.50 - $33.00 per hour, alongside various student benefits including paid holidays and sick leave.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Company-paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Vacation pay

Qualifications

• Candidate must have good communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Enthusiasm and desire to learn are essential.
• Understanding of high speed signaling and analog/digital design is required.

Responsibilities

• Complete timing analysis and simulation of critical interfaces.
• Execute hardware verification plans and debug prototype hardware.

Skills

Good communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork skills

Initiative

Enthusiasm

Desire to learn

Understanding of high speed signaling

Digital design

Analog design

Tools

Oscilloscope

Logic analyzer

PCB schematic capture tools

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.

The Opportunity:

4 month work term: May - August 2026

How You Will Contribute:

Complex designs pushing all the boundaries. Great people. Diverse teams with which to interact. Tremendous growth and learning opportunities. This position could really catapult your career. Are you looking for a challenging co-op or internship that will stand out? Read on…

We are looking for an enthusiastic and innovative designer to join the hardware development team working on Ciena’s Switching products. The position will be tailored to the successful applicant and will involve working with senior designers to implement and validate leading edge circuit packs of a multi-terabyte switch.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Complete timing analysis and simulation of critical interfaces
• Execute hardware verification plans and debug prototype hardware using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic/network analyzers, protocol/signal generators etc.

The Must Haves:

• Good communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills are essential
• The candidate must have initiative, enthusiasm and a desire to learn
• Understanding of high speed signaling, transmission lines, digital and analog design

The Assets:

• Familiarity with lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and test sets) and measurement techniques would be beneficial
• Experience designing and debugging hardware
• Experience with PCB schematic capture and layout tools

Pay Range:

The hourly 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.