Wavelogic Modem HW Engineering Co-op (Fall 2025)

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate intern to join their hardware engineering team for a unique 4-month opportunity. This role involves designing cutting-edge optical modems that are pivotal for high-speed internet connectivity, working directly with experienced engineers. You will engage in hands-on lab work, contribute to design processes, and analyze manufacturing data to enhance product yield. This is a fantastic chance to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting, while also gaining insights into the telecommunications sector. Join a company that values innovation and personal growth, and make a meaningful impact in the tech world.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Company-paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Vacation pay

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• Knowledge of lab equipment such as multimeters and oscilloscopes.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain optical modems for high-speed data transmission.
• Conduct hardware debugging and electrical design verification.

Skills

HW Design Process

Statistical Analysis Techniques

Lab Equipment Knowledge

Prototyping/Embedded Hardware Projects

Scripting Languages (Python, Tcl)

Education

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Computer Engineering

Tools

Cadence Allegro

Job description

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

The Opportunity: 4 month work term: September - December 2025

How You Will Contribute:

Reporting to a Senior Manager, Hardware Engineering, you will work alongside a team of experienced hardware engineers responsible for designing and maintaining Ciena’s flagship Wavelogic optical modems. These products enable fiber optic data rates of up to 1,600 Gbps and are used by many of the largest telecommunications companies in the world including Verizon, AT&T, and Bell Canada to enable the Internet as we know it today.

• Design Process: simulation, functional schematic, physical PCB layout reviews, documentation

• Lab Hands-on: hardware debug, electrical design verification vs. datasheet specs

• Component Qualification: spec reviews and research to qualify alternate sources due to shortages or to enable cost reductions

• Yield Data Analysis: review large-scale manufacturing data to assess design or test changes to improve factory yield

The Must Haves:

• Working towards completion of Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering (or equivalent)

• Foundational knowledge of lab equipment: multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, electronic loads, basic soldering.

• Demonstrated proficiency with HW Design process (schematic, layout, documentation) as well as statistical analysis techniques (histogram distributions, Q-Q plots, STDev, CpK parameters)

Assets:

• Demonstrated interest in prototyping/embedded hardware projects

• Experience with Cadence Allegro toolset

• Experience with scripting languages (i.e Python, Tcl)

Pay Range:

The pay range for this position is $24.50-$33.00/hour 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.

In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers students access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation pay as required by applicable laws.

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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 anEqual 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.