Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 96,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(K) and DCPP with company matching

Employee stock purchase program

Job summary

Ciena seeks an experienced software engineer for embedded platforms in Ottawa, with on-site work required. You will develop drivers, diagnostics, and applications using C, C++, and Python across photonics and Ethernet technologies.

Responsibilities include contributing to the SDLC, porting components, and optimizing performance. A Bachelor’s in engineering or CS with 6+ years in embedded C/C++ is required; Zephyr experience is a plus.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Participate in the software development lifecycle from development through customer delivery.
• Implement cross-platform software for embedded CPUs, SoCs, Ethernet PHYs, FPGAs, and optical tech.
• Apply Linux kernel, TCP/IP, VLAN, memory management concepts in software development.
• Design, code, and maintain drivers, diagnostics, and applications in C, C++, Python.
• Debug defects and analyze performance; port components across product families.
• Develop scripts and tools to improve engineering efficiency.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Linux kernel driver

Board bring-up

Structured programming

Learning mindset

Able to work on-site

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science

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, dental, and 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, and 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 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.