Platform Software Developer - 2026 New Grads

Ciena; Alpharetta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental

Vision

401K

ESPP

EAP

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Ciena in Alpharetta, GA seeks highly motivated new graduates to contribute to platform software powering its optical networking systems. You will build reliable, high-performance embedded software enabling scalable, secure global communications in a collaborative engineering environment.

The role emphasizes real-time embedded development with C/C++ in Linux environments, RTOS interaction, and cross-team design across software layers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Bachelor's in CS/CE/EE with 2026 graduation.
• Experience applying C and C++ in academic/project software development.
• Embedded systems development with RTOS and multi-threaded execution.
• Knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and OO design.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and debug high-performance software for real-time embedded systems in optical networking platforms.
• Collaborate with hardware, QA, and system engineering to define software requirements and interfaces.
• Develop and maintain software components across OS, drivers, control plane, and data plane.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex software issues in multi-threaded and distributed environments.
• Apply industry trends to embedded systems and networking challenges.

Skills

C

C++

Embedded systems

Linux scripting

Multi-threaded programming

Software debugging

Education

Master's degree in CS/CE/EE or Bachelor's in related field

Tools

RTOS

Git

Build tools

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.

Ciena is seeking highly motivated new graduates to contribute to the platform software that powers its optical networking systems. This role plays a key part in building reliable, high-performance embedded software that enables scalable and secure global communications. The position offers exposure to complex systems development within a collaborative engineering environment.

How you will make an impact:

• Design, implement, and debug high-performance software for real-time embedded systems used in optical networking platforms.
• Collaborate with hardware, quality assurance, and system engineering teams to define software requirements and interfaces.
• Develop and maintain software components spanning operating systems, drivers, control plane, and data plane functionality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex software issues in multi-threaded and distributed environments.
• Apply industry trends and emerging technologies to embedded systems and networking challenges.

The must haves:

• Education: Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering OR Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, graduating in 2026.
• Experience: Application of C and C++ programming in academic or project-based software development.
• Background in embedded systems development, including interaction with real-time operating systems and multi-threaded execution models.
• Application of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design principles in software implementations.
• Utilization of Linux-based development environments, including scripting with languages such as Python or Bash.
• Use of software development tools including debuggers, version control systems, and automated build tools.
• Demonstrated analytical, debugging, and problem-solving capabilities in a team-oriented development setting.

Nice to haves:

• Exposure to networking protocols and concepts such as TCP/IP and Ethernet.
• Background working with control plane or data plane software components.
• Familiarity with distributed system behaviors in embedded or networking contexts.

Pay Range:

The annual pay range for this position is $69,900 to $111,700.

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 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.