Software Engineer, R&D Applications - 2026 New Grads

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Ontario, Canada is seeking a motivated developer to join their R&D Applications team. This role involves designing and deploying tools to enhance productivity for engineers while applying cutting-edge technologies. The ideal candidate has experience in software development, including Java and Python. The position offers competitive compensation, with an annual pay range of $65,500-104,600, along with comprehensive benefits and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(K) & DCPP with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Company-paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Vacation time

Qualifications

• Team player thriving in collaborative environments.
• Self-motivated with a passion for solving complex problems.
• Values continuous learning, curiosity, and mentoring others.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy innovative tools for engineers.
• Build and support in‑house, open‑source, and commercial software.
• Partner with teams to improve and deliver impactful solutions.
• Shape the future of developer experiences.

Skills

Java (Spring/Hibernate)

Python

Bash

JavaScript

TypeScript

Angular

REST APIs

Oracle

PostgreSQL

Docker

Ansible

Git

Perforce

Jenkins

Linux

Atlassian tools (Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence)

SonarQube

Coverity

Black Duck

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related discipline

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 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.

Are you passionate about cutting‑edge technologies like Linux, Docker, and Cloud? Do you thrive in dynamic environments, love solving complex problems, and have a desire to elevate developer experiences? If so, we want you to be part of Ciena’s R&D Applications team – the driving force behind enabling DevOps innovation for our global engineering teams.

At Ciena, we’re the network specialists, empowering the world’s largest and most reliable networks with intelligent software, optical systems, and Ethernet platforms. Our solutions are the foundation for service providers, enterprises, governments, and research institutions worldwide. When you join us, you’ll play a pivotal role in transforming how engineers design, build, and innovate.

How You Will Contribute:

• Design, develop, and deploy innovative tools and services that enhance productivity and streamline workflows for hundreds of engineers globally.
• Apply the latest technologies to build and support in‑house, open‑source, and commercial software solutions.
• Partner with product designers, engineers, and cross‑functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement and deliver impactful solutions.
• Shape the future of developer experiences at Ciena, ensuring they’re fast, reliable, and efficient.

Your Growth Journey:

Within 1 Month:

• Complete onboarding, meet your team, and dive into Ciena’s products and architecture.
• Shadow teammates, attend training sessions, and start contributing to tools and environments.

Within 3 Months:

• Engage with engineers, gather feedback, and deliver enhancements to existing tools.

Within 6 Months:

• Build new tools, refine existing environments, and gain a big‑picture perspective of how our systems come together.

12 Months and Beyond:

• Lead projects that impact hundreds of engineers daily, mentor new teammates, and shape the growth of our team.

The Must Haves:

You’re a team player who thrives in collaborative environments, is self‑motivated, and has a passion for solving complex problems. You value continuous learning, curiosity, and mentoring others to achieve success.

Your technical experience or eagerness to learn includes:

• Programming: Java (Spring/Hibernate), Python, Bash
• Web Development: JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular, REST APIs
• Databases: Oracle, PostgreSQL
• Deployment Tools: Docker, Ansible
• Version Control: Git, Perforce
• CI/CD: Jenkins, automated testing
• Operating Systems: Linux
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools (Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence) and code analysis platforms (SonarQube, Coverity, Black Duck).

You have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related discipline.

Compensation:

The annual pay range for this position is $65,500-104,600.

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.