Photonics Software Engineer – Co-op

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

Job summary

Ciena Corporation is seeking a Photonics Software Engineer Co-op in Ottawa to join a dynamic team focusing on developing embedded software for advanced optical networks. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant degree and strong programming skills, while benefiting from a supportive work culture that emphasizes flexibility and innovation.

Benefits

Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Company-paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Vacation pay as required by law

Qualifications

• Enrolled in bachelor’s degree in Computer Science / Engineering.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and programming skills.
• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software on a next generation optical network platform.
• Troubleshoot software issues and provide customer support.
• Engage with Product Owners to evolve software applications.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving skills

Programming skills (C, C++, Python)

Communication skills

Organization skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Linux development environment

Automated test frameworks (such as Jenkins)

Design and development tools (Bitbucket, Eclipse, JIRA, GDB, Confluence)

Job description

• This is a primary processing purpose.
• This is a secondary processing purpose.

They gather information about your interactions on the site, such as which pages you visit frequently, how long you stay, and the links or buttons you click. They help us record any difficulties you have with the website and help us to evaluate the effectiveness of our advertising. By analyzing this data, we can understand what aspects of our site are effective and identify areas for improvement.

• This is a secondary processing purpose.
• This is a secondary processing purpose.

Photonics Software Engineer – Co-op page is loaded

Photonics Software Engineer – Co-op

Apply locations Ottawa time type Full time posted on Posted Yesterday job requisition id R028199

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:

Reporting to the Reconfigurable Line System (RLS) software development team, you will be working with a team of ~17 software engineers to deliver Bug fixes and features for the RLS releases.

· Develop embedded software on a next generation optical network platform.

· Participate in all stages of software development and weekly scrum meetings.

· Trouble shoot software issues, provide customer and verification support.

· Design and develop unit tests and test-automation suites.

· Identifying software performance improvements through test driven development, automated unit testing, and comprehensive integration testing

· Engage with Product Owners and System Architects to evolve software applications adopting new features and technologies without compromising performance.

What Does Ciena Expect of You?

· A sense of urgency – what’s important to the customer is equally important to you. You make getting things done a priority.

· Integrity – you hold yourself to the highest level of personal and professional standards of conduct.

· A commitment to innovation – you continually seek to learn, understand new technologies and ever-changing market conditions, and endeavor to apply that knowledge to Ciena’s advantage.

· You embrace change – thriving in a diverse environment of ever-changing priorities and sometimes stressful situations.

· The flexibility to work independently with minimal supervision as well as part of a broader team.

The Must Haves:

· Enrolled in bachelor’s degree in Computer Science / Engineering or equivalent degree

· Excellent analytical, problem solving and programming skills (C, C++, Python)

· Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.

· Excellent organization skills to manage time, resources, and priorities.

· Familiarity with Linux development environment

· Comfortable in a team environment while still taking accountability and working independently as needed.

Assets:

· Good understanding of micro-service architecture and real-time systems.

· Experience with building APIs and services using CLI, REST, YANG, etc.

· Experience with automated test frameworks such as Jenkins

· Experience with Scrum/Agile development methodologies.

· Experience with design and development tools such as Bitbucket, Eclipse, JIRA, GDB, Confluence

Pay Range: The hourly pay range for the 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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community to get relevant job alerts straight to your inbox.

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.

Similar Jobs (5)

Software Engineer and Tools Developer Co-op (Fall 2025)

locations Ottawa time type Full time posted on Posted 30+ Days Ago

Photonic Design Co-op Fall 2025

locations Ottawa time type Full time posted on Posted 30+ Days Ago

Embedded Software Engineer – Co-op (Fall 2025 - 4-16 Months)

locations Ottawa time type Full time posted on Posted 30+ Days Ago

Dive into our culture and the people who fuel it

Learn about our people and what fuels us–we power more than the world’s leading networks. Explore CienaLife .

Sustainability at Ciena

Our deep humanity propels us to not only innovate differently, but also to do good in the world—driving meaningful social impact in our communities, fostering environmental stewardship. Learn more .