Network Security Device Vulnerability Tester

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 115,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Ottawa is seeking a qualified Security QA Engineer to ensure the security and compliance of networking software and hardware. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience, strong skills in Linux administration, scripting, and security protocols like TLS and MACSec. This role includes creating test plans and automating test processes to support the mission of delivering secure network infrastructure.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

401(K) with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in a related field.
• Proficient in system configuration, hardening, and performance tuning.
• Deep understanding of TLS, SSL, MACSec protocols.

Responsibilities

• Create new test plans and execute test cases.
• Enhance security coverage by validating features.
• Support compliance efforts by executing tests.

Skills

Linux Systems Administration

Shell scripting and automation

Automation scripting in Python

Security Protocol Testing

Network Protocol Testing (L2/L3)

Vulnerability Assessment

Tools

Nessus

NMAP

Linux scripting 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.

How You Will Contribute:

This position will report to the RSP Security QA Team within Ciena’s Engineering organization. Our team is responsible for ensuring the security, compliance, and vulnerability resilience of Ciena’s networking software and hardware. In this role, you will create new test plans, execute test cases, validate compliance with standards and protocols (including MACSec), track testing progress, and automate test cases to improve testing velocity. You will support Ciena’s vision of delivering trusted, secure, and resilient network infrastructure for mission critical environments.

Our team’s role:

• Enhancing security coverage by validating features such as MACSec, TLS/SSL, and authentication mechanisms on Ciena network devices.
• Automating test execution using Linux-based scripting tools (e.g., curl, ssh, bash) to accelerate test cycles and reduce manual overhead.
• Supporting compliance efforts by executing FIPS and Common Criteria tests to ensure our platforms meet government and industry security requirements.
• Providing timely insights by tracking and reporting test progress, raising security findings, and collaborating with development and QA teams to resolve issues efficiently.

The Must Haves:

• 7+ years of experience
• Linux Systems Administration Proficient in system configuration, hardening, and performance tuning.
• Skilled in shell scripting and automation using tools like bash, curl, scp, and ssh for secure remote access and scripting.
• Automation scripting in Python
• Security Protocol Testing Deep understanding of TLS, SSL, MACSec, and IPSec protocols.
• Experience testing secure data transmission and key exchange mechanisms across different network topologies.
• Network Protocol Testing (L2/L3)
• Strong knowledge of Ethernet, IPv4/IPv6, OSPF, BGP, STP, VLAN, and routing/switching protocols.
• Validated functional and security aspects of protocol implementations on networking gear.
• Vulnerability Assessment Experience using tools such as Nessus and NMAP for vulnerability scanning, CVE validation, and compliance checks.
• Secure Remote Access Familiar with secure remote connection techniques and tools to access, test, and monitor devices under test (DUTs) across isolated and production-like lab environments.

Nice to Haves:

• OS: Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat), Unix
• Tools: Ixia and Spirent
• Protocols: MACSec, TLS/SSL, SSH, IPSec, SNMP, BGP, OSPF
• Standards: FIPS, Common Criteria, NIST, STIG
• Authentication & Encryption Hands‑on experience with multi‑factor authentication, PKI infrastructure, certificate validation, and testing encryption algorithms (AES, RSA, etc.) in embedded devices.
• Experience using tools such as Trivy, OpenVAS, and custom Linux scripts for vulnerability scanning, CVE validation, and compliance checks. Codenomicon fuzzing tool

Pay Range:

The salary range for this role in Ottawa is $115, 700 - $142, 300

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.

Non‑Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company‑paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

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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.

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