Software Engineer – Packet Dataplane/OS

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 81,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading networking company in Ottawa is seeking an experienced software engineer to collaborate across the software development lifecycle. This role involves engineering C/C++ software for advanced networking services and requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering along with 5+ years in embedded software development. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Employee Stock Purchase Program

401(K) with company matching

Paid family leave

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in embedded software development.
• Strong knowledge of inter-process communication and synchronization mechanisms.
• Experience in real-time software development for networking technologies.

Responsibilities

• Engineer software in C/C++ for advanced Layer 2, MPLS, and IP services.
• Manage project tasks including effort estimation and tracking.
• Collaborate in all stages of the software development lifecycle.

Skills

C programming

Embedded Linux

Agile methodologies

Real-time systems knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

Broadcom DNX/XGS chipsets

DPDK

Job description

How You Will Contribute

• Collaborate across all stages of the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, functional specification, design, coding, integration, verification, and support.

• Engineer software in C/C++ for advanced Layer 2, MPLS, and IP services, including drivers, APIs, and dataplane applications.

• Design and develop software for real-time embedded Linux environments.

• Contribute to new product releases, networking features, and enhancements of existing software.

• Manage personal project tasks, including effort estimation, tracking, monitoring, reporting, and addressing potential issues impacting functionality or timelines.

• Apply Agile methodologies to software engineering processes.

• Develop carrier-grade software using test-driven development, automated unit testing, and comprehensive integration testing.

• Reduce backlog defects and troubleshoot issues, collaborating with hardware, software, and system engineers to identify root causes.

The Must Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.

• 5+ years of experience in embedded software development within networking or telecommunications environments.

• Proficiency in C programming language.

• Expertise in developing software for multi-processor, concurrent systems operating in embedded Linux environments.

• Experience in real-time embedded software development for dataplane technologies:

  • Hardware-based Layer 2/3 forwarding engines (ASICs, NPUs, FPGAs, TCAMs).

  • End-to-end slow path forwarding and packet exception handling.

  • MPLS, BGP, and Segment Routing solutions.

  • IPv4, IPv6, E-VPN, and IP-VPN.

  • Embedded fast protection mechanisms like BFD, BGP-PIC, and FRR.

  • Traffic management, metering, ACLs.

• Strong knowledge of mutual exclusion, synchronization, interrupt handling, and inter-process communication.

Nice to Haves

• Experience with Broadcom DNX/XGS packet processing chipsets.

• Familiarity with Datapath programming using DPDK.

• Enthusiastic, motivated, and innovative mindset.

• Self-driven problem solver with a willingness to learn and work independently.

• Strong verbal and written technical communication skills.

• Effective collaborator in multi-site, multi-geography team environments.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $81,600.00 - $130,400.00 CAD

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community to get relevant job alerts straight to your inbox.

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.