Hardware (PCBA) Design and Verification Intern (Winter 2027 - 4 Months)

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Vacation pay

Job summary

Ciena is offering a 4-month co-op opportunity in Ottawa for an Electrical Engineering student. You will participate in hardware design and validation of high-speed switching circuit packs, with hands-on work on PCBs and prototypes alongside experienced engineers.

The role emphasizes teamwork, communication, and applying Cadence CAD tools. Exposure to lab equipment and PCB design practices will support your technical growth while contributing to important customer-driven engineering projects.

Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate within a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate hardware for next-generation switching circuit packs.
• Execute hardware test and debug activities on PCBs.
• Perform board programming and manage prototype inventory.
• Conduct design verification for functionality and robustness.
• Measure signal integrity and thermal performance; analyze results.
• Develop design documentation and test plans.
• Apply Cadence CAD tools for schematic capture and analysis.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Hardware debugging

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (enrolled)

Tools

Cadence CAD

PCB Schematic Capture

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

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.

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.

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.