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

ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

company-paid holidays

paid sick leave

vacation pay as required by applicable

Job summary

Ciena, a global leader in high-speed connectivity, offers a 4-month co-op in Ottawa, starting January 2027. You will contribute to hardware development for advanced switching products, gaining hands-on experience with circuit packs and board-level validation while collaborating with engineers in a dynamic team environment.

The role emphasizes signal integrity, thermal analysis, and design documentation. Exposure to lab equipment and PCB layout tools is a plus.

Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate hardware for next-generation switching circuit packs.
• Execute hardware test and debug activities on printed circuit boards.
• Perform board programming and manage prototype inventory.
• Conduct design verification to evaluate functionality, performance and robustness.
• Measure and analyze signal integrity, thermal performance, and component qualification results.
• Develop and maintain design documentation including test plans and reports.
• Apply Cadence CAD tools to schematic capture, layout review, and design analysis tasks.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (in progress)

Tools

Cadence CAD tools

PCB schematic capture

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

This co-op opportunity within Ciena's hardware development organization contributes to the design and validation of advanced switching products that enable high-speed connectivity. The role offers hands-on involvement in complex circuit pack development alongside experienced engineers, supporting technical growth. The work advances Ciena's focus on innovation, quality, and customer-driven engineering.

How you will make an impact:

• Design and validate hardware for next-generation switching circuit packs.
• Execute hardware test and debug activities on new and existing printed circuit boards.
• Perform board programming and manage prototype inventory activities.
• Conduct design verification to evaluate functionality, performance, operating margins, and robustness.
• Measure and analyze signal integrity, thermal performance, and component qualification results.
• Develop and maintain design documentation, including design specifications and test plans or reports.
• Apply Cadence CAD tools to schematic capture, layout review, and design analysis tasks.

The must haves:

• Education: Actively enrolled in a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaborate within a team environment.

Nice to haves:

• Exposure to laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and test sets.
• Background in high-speed signaling, transmission lines, and digital or analog circuit design.
• Application of hardware design and debug techniques.
• Use of PCB schematic capture and layout tools.

Pay range:

The hourly pay range for this position is: $25.50 - 35.00 CAD.

Benefits:

• 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.