Photonics Software Developer Co-op (Fall 2025)

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

Job summary

Ciena Corporation seeks a Photonics Software Developer Co-op for Fall 2025 in Ottawa. The role focuses on enhancing optical networking products, involving responsibilities in software testing, development lifecycle engagement, and collaboration within agile teams. Ideal for students pursuing a technical degree, the position offers competitive hourly pay and valuable industry experience.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Company-paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Vacation pay

Qualifications

• Working towards a degree in relevant engineering or computer science.
• Foundational knowledge of programming in C/C++ or Python.
• Strong communication skills and a problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain automated test cases to ensure optical network quality.
• Participate in the software development lifecycle and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Engage in group discussions for design solutions and feature enhancements.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Multi-tasking

Education

Degree in computer engineering, software engineering, or computer science

Tools

Git

Bitbucket

Jira

Confluence

GDB

Google Test

Job description

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Photonics Software Developer Co-op (Fall 2025) page is loaded

Photonics Software Developer Co-op (Fall 2025)

Apply locations Ottawa time type Full time posted on Posted Yesterday job requisition id R028238

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:

As an embedded software developer in a dynamic team environment, you will help enhance the quality of best-in-class optical networking products, joining the RLS Photonics Topology team reporting to Michael Hiridjee. The team develops leading-edge photonics software for the RLS platform, pushing boundaries in optical innovation.

• You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated test cases which play a key role in ensuring the quality of optical networks using the RLS platform
• You will participate in the full software development lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams, designers, produce verification and release management teams
• You will participate in group design discussions to discuss solutions to problems, or ideas for feature enhancements
• You will work in an agile development environment, producing high quality deliverables in rapid development cycles
• You will identify software performance improvements through test driven development, automated unit testing, and comprehensive integration testing

This position is based in Ottawa.

The Must Haves:

• Working towards completion of a degree in computer engineering, software engineering, or computer science
• Foundational knowledge of C, C++, or Python programming
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, team player, problem solver and ability to multi-task

Assets:

• Design and development tools such as Git, Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence, GDB
• Unit test frameworks such as Google Test

Pay Range:

The hourly pay range for this position is $24.50 - $33.00

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 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.

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