Senior Embedded Software Engineer, RLS

Ciena Corporation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 94,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision plans

401(k) / DCPP with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid holidays, sick leave & vacation

Job summary

Ciena Corporation in Ottawa, Ontario, is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to design and develop high-performance C/C++ software for embedded systems running Linux. The role includes implementing RTOS and networking functionality, and driving modular, scalable software solutions across cross-functional teams.

You will diagnose and optimize software, collaborate with architects, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring delivery within established schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE/SE or related field.
• 7+ years of embedded software development experience.
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Experience with Linux platforms.
• Experience with data-driven architectures (YANG, REST, JSON, XML).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-performance C/C++ software for embedded systems on Linux.
• Implement RTOS and networking functionality to meet performance and reliability requirements.
• Develop modular and scalable software solutions aligned with system requirements.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and optimize embedded software for reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with peer teams to align on requirements, defects, and delivery schedules.
• Guide junior engineers through technical leadership and project coordination work.
• Drive software project execution by managing timelines, priorities, risks, and dependencies.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Embedded software development

Linux

REST/JSON/XML

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Software Engineering or related field

Tools

Git (Bitbucket/GitHub)

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. Join a team delivering embedded software for RLS Hyper-Rail Photonic Management software applications that enable high-performance networking solutions. This role contributes to the design, testing, deployment, and optimization of embedded software across Linux and VxWorks environments. Success is measured through delivery of high-quality software within established timelines and process management.

How you will make an impact:

• Design and develop high-performance C/C++ software for embedded systems operating on Linux platforms.
• Implement real-time operating system and networking protocol functionality to meet system performance and reliability requirements.
• Develop modular and scalable software solutions aligned with system requirements.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and optimize embedded software to improve reliability, performance, and resource utilization.
• Collaborate with peer teams to maintain alignment on software requirements, defect resolution, and delivery schedules.
• Guide junior engineers through technical leadership and project coordination activities
• Drive software project execution by managing timelines, priorities, risks, and dependencies to ensure delivery of high-quality software solutions within established schedules.
• Drive software solution development through collaboration with architects and cross-functional teams

The Must Haves:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 7+ years of industry experience in embedded software development.
• Application of C/C++ programming for embedded systems.
• Experience working with Linux platforms.
• Experience developing software for data-driven architectures, YANG, REST, JSON, and XML.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice to Haves:

• Knowledge of photonic technologies and their application in networking systems.
• Utilization of Bitbucket or GitHub for version control and code collaboration.
• Application of real-time operating systems, networking protocols, and host application interactions with hardware devices and drivers.
• Familiarity with micro-service-based software architectures.

Pay Range:

The annual salary range for this position is $93,600 - $193,400. 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.

Benefits:

• 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.