Hardware Design Co-Op (Winter 2027 - 4 Months)

Ciena Corporation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Student access to the Employee A ss iし

Company-paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Vacation pay as required by applicable

Job summary

Ciena Corporation in Ottawa is offering a 4-month work term for an Electrical Engineering student to join the Packet-Optical HW Development team, focusing on hardware quality and lifecycle management. You will review components for obsolescence, run verification plans, and debug prototype hardware using oscilloscopes and analyzers, gaining hands-on experience across cross-functional teams.

This role requires active enrollment in an EE program, familiarity with lab equipment, and a passion for

Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in Electrical Engineering or equivalent degree program.
• Familiarity with lab test equipment and measurement techniques.
• Understanding of high-speed signaling and analog/digital design.

Responsibilities

• Review alternate components for 2nd source qualification and obsolescence.
• Execute hardware verification and debug prototype hardware with test equipment.
• Debug hardware investigations of field issues.
• Modify circuit packs to enable testing or fix issues.

Skills

Electrical engineering fundamentals

Measurement techniques

High-speed signaling

Education

Electrical Engineering degree program

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

PCB layout tools

Job description

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well‑being—on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.

The Opportunity

4 month work term, starting January 2027

Join the Packet-Optical HW Development team to contribute to hardware quality and life cycle management for Ciena’s Packet Optical platform products. The role includes hardware work on products in the field and component obsolescence issues, with opportunities to work across diverse teams and build hands‑on experience.

How you will make an impact

• Review alternate components for 2nd source qualification and obsolescence.
• Execute hardware verification plans and debug prototype hardware using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic/network analyzers, protocol/signal generators etc.
• Debug hardware investigations of field issues.
• Modify circuit packs to enable testing or to fix issues uncovered during testing.

The must haves

• Education: Actively enrolled in a degree program in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Familiarity with lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and test sets) and measurement techniques.
• Understanding of high speed signaling, transmission lines, digital and analog design.

Nice to haves

• Experience designing and debugging hardware.
• Experience with PCB schematic capture and layout tools.

Pay range: The hourly pay range for this position is $25.50-$35.00/hour. 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.

Benefits and Perks

• Student access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Vacation pay as required by applicable laws

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.

Dig deeper into who we are, what we do, and what you can expect as a member of our team. Meet the people who are shaping the future of communication and explore the culture we’ve built together at CienaLife.