Lead / Principal Embedded Software Engineer – Optical Networking

Talentlab; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Talentlab in Ottawa is seeking Lead/Principal Embedded Software Engineers to own and drive software for next-generation optical networking systems. You will work on embedded Linux platforms, C/C++, and multi-threaded architectures, collaborating with hardware, verification, and product teams to deliver high-performance networking solutions.

The role emphasizes technical ownership, mentoring, and shaping engineering practices as the Ottawa team scales, with opportunities at Lead and Principal

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of embedded software development.
• 3+ years of optical networking experience, including Layer 0/Layer 1.
• Strong C/C++ expertise in embedded systems and embedded Linux.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded software for DWDM optical networking systems.
• Develop new features and enhance existing functionality across platforms.
• Work with C/C++ in embedded Linux environments, multi-threaded and multi-process apps.
• Contribute to platform-level software, BSPs, and network management interfaces.
• Collaborate with hardware and verification teams to deliver high-performance products.
• Provide mentorship and establish strong development practices as the team grows.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Embedded Linux

Networking protocols

Agile / DevOps

Education

Bachelors in EE/CS

Tools

BSPs

Northbound interfaces

Job description

Lead / Principal Embedded Software Engineer – Optical Networking

Location: Ottawa, ON
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
We're partnered with a global technology leader in optical networking and communications infrastructure that is making a significant investment in expanding its engineering presence in Ottawa. As part of this growth, our client is building a team of experienced engineers who will play a key role in developing and delivering the next generation of optical networking technologies.
We're looking for Lead and Principal Embedded Software Engineers who bring strong C/C++ development expertise and hands-on experience with optical networking systems. This is an opportunity to take technical ownership of sophisticated embedded software platforms, contribute to the development of advanced optical transport technologies, and help shape a growing engineering team. You'll play an important role in establishing software development practices, influencing technical decisions, and building the engineering capabilities of a team positioned for long-term growth.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design and develop embedded software for DWDM optical networking systems, including next-generation optical line systems and network elements.
• Develop new software features and enhance existing functionality across optical networking platforms.
• Work extensively with C/C++ in embedded Linux environments, including multi-threaded and multi-process software architectures.
• Develop software supporting optical networking functionality, including photonic control, alarm management, performance monitoring, and service provisioning.
• Contribute to platform-level software development, including board support packages (BSPs), system infrastructure, and network management interfaces.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems engineering, verification, and integration teams to deliver reliable, high-performance networking products.
• Troubleshoot complex software issues, optimize system performance, and support ongoing product enhancements.
• Participate in technical design discussions, code reviews, and continuous improvement of software engineering practices.
• Work with product management and customer-facing engineering teams to understand technical requirements and translate them into effective software solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers, helping establish strong development practices as the Ottawa team expands.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of embedded software development experience, with opportunities available for engineers at both Lead and Principal levels.
• 3+ years of experience in optical networking, including hands-on development involving Layer 0 / Layer 1 optical transport equipment.
• Strong expertise in C and C++ programming within embedded systems.
• Experience developing software for embedded Linux platforms, including multi-threaded and multi-process applications.
• Knowledge of DWDM optical networking systems and technologies such as ROADMs, optical line systems, and in-line amplifiers.
• Experience developing software for network elements, including platform infrastructure, BSPs, northbound interfaces, or optical control applications.
• Familiarity with networking protocols such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, LLDP, OSPF, or BGP.
• Experience with network management interfaces and technologies such as NETCONF, YANG, or OpenConfig.
• Experience working across the software development lifecycle, including Agile methodologies, CI/CD, and DevOps practices.
• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.

Additional Experience That Would Be Valuable

• Experience with open-source networking technologies such as SONiC, FRRouting, or Open vSwitch.
• Familiarity with virtualization and container technologies.
• Experience with Python or Go in addition to C/C++.
• Experience developing optical networking features involving photonic control, performance monitoring, alarms, or service management.
• Experience with embedded Linux platform development, device drivers, or board-level software.
• Experience leading technical design initiatives, establishing coding standards, or mentoring software engineers.
• Experience collaborating with globally distributed engineering teams.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a chance to join an established global technology organization while helping build something new in Ottawa. You'll have the resources and technical challenges of a major industry player, combined with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a growing local engineering team.
We're considering experienced engineers at both Lead and Principal levels, with opportunities to take technical ownership, influence engineering practices, and grow alongside the organization.