Software Development New Grad

Ciena Corporation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 97,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision plans

401(K) USA

DCPP Canada

ESPP

EAP

Company-paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Vacation time

Job summary

Ciena Corporation is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to contribute to software platforms powering scalable, high‑performance networking across multi‑core CPUs, SoCs, and boards.

You will design, implement, and debug embedded C/C++ code, develop Linux/Zephyr drivers, write test utilities in Python, and help bring up BSP and security features.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent.
• 1+ years of Embedded C and C++ programming languages.
• Application of Linux and/or Zephyr kernel drivers and user space drivers.
• Experience with BSP, security, and board bring-up.
• Application of structured programming and design concepts.
• Demonstrated interest and aptitude for software development.
• Willingness to learn and apply new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the software development life cycle from development through delivery to customers.
• Implement cross-platform software and services across embedded systems including multi-core CPUs, SoCs, Ethernet PHYs, FPGAs, and optics.
• Utilize Linux kernel components, TCP/IP stack, forwarding tables, IP filters, VLANs, and memory management in software design.
• Design and develop drivers, diagnostics, and applications using C, C++, and Python.
• Debug system defects and analyze performance and throughput issues.
• Port operating system elements across product families.
• Develop scripts, test utilities, and tools to improve development efficiency.

Skills

Embedded C

Embedded C++

Linux/Zephyr

TCP/IP

Python

Multi-core CPUs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, CS or equivalent

Tools

Zephyr

BSP

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. Ciena is advancing global networking through software platforms that enable convergence across photonics, OTN, and Ethernet layers.

This role contributes to embedded software development for these platforms, enabling scalable and high-performance network solutions. The position supports delivery of software systems that power modern global communications infrastructure.

How you will make an impact:

• Participate in the software development life cycle from development through delivery to customers
• Implement cross-platform software and services across embedded systems including multi-core CPUs, SoCs, Ethernet PHYs, FPGAs, and optics
• Utilize Linux kernel components, TCP/IP stack, forwarding tables, IP filters, VLANs, and memory management in software design
• Design and develop drivers, diagnostics, and applications using C, C++, and Python
• Debug system defects and analyze performance and throughput issues
• Port operating system elements across product families
• Develop scripts, test utilities, and tools to improve development efficiency

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent
• 1+ years of Embedded C and C++ programming languages
• Application of Linux and/or Zephyr kernel drivers and user space drivers
• Experience with BSP, security, and board bring-up
• Application of structured programming and design concepts
• Demonstrated interest and aptitude for software development
• Willingness to learn and apply new technologies

Nice to haves:

• Understanding of real-time operating systems concepts
• Experience developing drivers in Zephyr
• Ability to interpret CPU hardware architectures, functional specifications, and timing diagrams
• Exposure to Agile or Waterfall software development methodologies
• 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 $68,800 - $109,800. 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,

• medical
• dental
• 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 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.

Dig deeper into who we are, what we do, and what you can expect as a member of our team.

Meet the people who are shaping the future of communication and explore the culture we’ve built together at CienaLife.