Routing/IP Software Engineer - New Grad

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental plans

Vision plans

401(K) & DCPP

ESPP

EAP

Company holidays

Paid sick leave

Vacation time

Job summary

Ciena in Ottawa is seeking a software engineer to contribute to the 6500 system, focusing on embedded C/C++ development for devices running a real-time OS. You will participate in the full software lifecycle—from development through testing and documentation—and collaborate with engineers across product verification, design, and release teams.

The role emphasizes learning, teamwork, and navigating Agile or Waterfall processes, with opportunities to work on backlogs and tooling to improve

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent.
• Embedded C and C++ programming experience.
• Interest and aptitude for software development.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Participate in C, C++ software development of new functionality for devices on a real-time OS.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle (develop, test, document, debug and maintain the applications).
• Participate in backlog defect reduction.
• Develop scripts, test utilities, and other development aids to improve designer efficiency.
• Consult with engineers, architects, and other professional and technical personnel.
• Work with product verification and test teams to resolve problems.
• Interact with colleagues on large scale software releases.

Skills

Embedded C

C++ programming

Real-time OS

Structured programming

Software development interest

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent

Job description

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being—on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.

Ciena is a network strategy and technology company focused on designing and implementing technologies and services that deliver meaningful outcomes. The 6500 system is the flagship product of Ciena’s Packet Optical Transport Portfolio, delivering next-generation optical transport, hybrid Layer 0/1/2 switching (OTN/Packet), and transport-oriented solutions. This role contributes to the software development lifecycle for the 6500 system, from development through delivery to end customers.

How you will make an impact:

• Participate in C, C++ software development of new functionality in various software components for devices on a real-time OS.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle (develop, test, document, debug and maintain the applications).
• Participate in backlog defect reduction.
• Develop scripts, test utilities, and other development aids to improve designer efficiency.
• Consult with engineers, architects, and other professional and technical personnel.
• Work with product verification and test teams to resolve problems.
• Interact with colleagues on large scale software releases.

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent.
• Experience: Previous internship, co-op, or applied project experience relevant to the role.
• Embedded C, C++ programming language.
• Fundamentals of structured programming and design concepts.
• Interest and aptitude for software development.
• Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Nice to haves:

• Low-level Real-Time Software Development.
• Real time operating systems concepts.
• Software Development Life Cycles such as Agile or Waterfall.
• Embedded Linux and/or VxWorks.
• Familiarity with datacom and telecom concepts such as Ethernet, OSI Model, TCP/IP, IP routing protocols.

Pay Range:

Pay annual pay range is $71,900 to $114,900

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.
• Medical plans
• Dental plans
• 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
• Vacation time
• We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

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.