Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 95,800 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental plans

Vision plans

Retirement plan

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Holidays and sick leave

Job summary

Ciena in Ottawa is seeking an experienced embedded software engineer to join the WaveLogic Software Development team. You will develop drivers, diagnostics, and applications for embedded platforms across photonics and Ethernet technologies, using C, C++, and Python.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or CS and 6+ years in embedded C/C++ with Linux kernel driver experience and BSP/bring-up know-how. The role is in-office in Ottawa with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent.
• 6+ years of embedded C/C++ experience.
• Experience with Linux kernel driver development (kernel/user-space).
• Experience with BSP, security, and board bring-up.
• Strong fundamentals of structured programming and design concepts.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the software development lifecycle from development through customer delivery.
• Develop cross-platform software and services for embedded CPUs, SoCs, Ethernet PHYs, FPGAs, and optical technologies.
• Apply Linux kernel, TCP/IP stack, forwarding table, IP filtering, VLAN, and memory management concepts.
• Design, code, and maintain drivers, diagnostics, and applications using C, C++, and Python.
• Debug software defects and analyze system throughput; port common OS components across product families.
• Develop scripts, test utilities, and development tools that improve engineering efficiency.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Linux kernel driver development

BSP/board bring-up

Structured programming concepts

Interest and aptitude for software

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Zephyr

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.

The WaveLogic Software Development team develops embedded software platforms that enable convergence across photonics, OTN, and Ethernet packet networking technologies. This role contributes to the delivery of software solutions supporting global network infrastructure through the development of embedded platforms, drivers, diagnostics, and applications. Collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams helps drive product delivery and continuous improvement.

This is a fully in-office position based in Ottawa. Employees are required to work on-site 4 days per week.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Participate in the software development lifecycle from development through customer delivery.
• Implement cross-platform software and services for embedded CPUs, SoCs, Ethernet PHYs, FPGAs, and optical technologies.
• Apply Linux kernel, TCP/IP stack, forwarding table, IP filtering, VLAN, and memory management concepts in software development activities.
• Design, code, and maintain drivers, diagnostics, and applications using C, C++, and Python.
• Debug software defects and analyze system throughput and performance. Port common operating system components across product families within Ciena.
• Develop scripts, test utilities, and development tools that improve engineering efficiency.

The Must Haves

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent
• 6+ Years of experience with embedded C and C++ programming language application
• Linux kernel driver and user-space driver development
• Experience: Experience with BSP, security, and board bring-up
• Fundamentals of structured programming and design concepts
• Interest and aptitude for software development
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn

Nice To Haves

• Real-time operating systems concepts
• Experience developing drivers in Zephyr
• Ability to interpret CPU hardware architectures, hardware functional specifications, and hardware timing diagrams
• Exposure to software development methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall
• Familiarity with datacom and telecom concepts including DWDM, SONET/SDH, OTN, Ethernet, OSI Model, TCP/IP, and MPLS

Pay Range

The annual pay range for this position is C$95,800 - C$153,000.

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 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 holidayspaid sick leave
• vacation time
• 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 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.