Photonic Card Software Developer Co-Op (January 2026)

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Ottawa is seeking students for a work term in high-speed connectivity software development. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in computer or electrical engineering and have experience in C and Python. The role offers a competitive pay range of $25.00-34.00 CAD per hour and includes various employee benefits. This is a great opportunity for those interested in contributing to innovative technology solutions.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid sick leave

Competitive compensation

Qualifications

• Experience developing software for embedded systems or telecom products.
• Understanding of CPU hardware architectures and timing diagrams.
• Familiarity with datacom and telecom concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, integrate, and maintain real-time photonic card software.
• Help network operators scale, manage, and differentiate services.

Skills

C programming

Python

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer or electrical engineering or computer science

Tools

Git

Jira

Google Test

Job description

Overview

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.

The Opportunity

Work term of 4, 8, 12 or 16 months starting in January 2026

How You Will Contribute

Our team designs, implements, integrates, and maintains real-time photonic card software for several of Ciena’s Optical Ethernet Network flagship products, leveraging advanced coherent optics, automated OTN, packet and SONET/SDH switching, control plane, and unified network management—to help network operators scale, manage, and differentiate their services.

The Must Haves

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer or electrical engineering, computer science, or similar disciplines
• Experience with C and Python

Assets

• Developing software for embedded systems or telecom products
• Understanding of CPU hardware architectures, hardware functional specifications, hardware timing diagrams, device data sheets
• Understanding of real-time operating systems and embedded systems
• Software development tools such as git, BitBucket, Gerrit, Jira, etc.
• Unit test frameworks such as Google Test, JUnit, Robot, PyTest, and the like
• Debuggers and tools (e.g., gdb)
• High-level programming and scripting languages such as C++, Java, Perl, Tcl, LUA, bash
• Software development methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall
• Familiarity with datacom and telecom concepts such as DWDM, SONET/SDH, OTN, Ethernet, OSI Model, TCP/IP, MPLS

Compensation and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00-34.00/hr 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.

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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 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.