Verification Engineer Intern (Spring 2027)

Ciena Corporation; Alpharetta (GA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EAP program

Company-paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Vacation pay

Job summary

Ciena Corporation in Alpharetta, GA, seeks an intern to validate the WaveLogic Optical Modem through test planning, execution, and automation, collaborating with product management, R&D, and customer-facing teams.

You will develop test plans, build execution environments, perform validation testing, report defects, and create Python automation to improve efficiency. The role provides exposure to lab and field validation activities.

Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Optical Communications.
• Experience developing automation with Python and knowledge of optical technologies.
• Understanding of Linux operating systems and standard tools; ability to write and troubleshoot Python scripts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop test plans to validate customer use cases and product capabilities.
• Build test environments for execution and coordinate across product features.
• Perform validation testing and report defects to the design team; follow up on closures.
• Develop Python automation test cases to improve execution efficiency and augment existing tests.
• Interact with customers, Product Line Management, and R&D teams; participate in field activities.

Skills

Python automation

Optical communications

Software testing

Linux

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Education

Electrical Engineering

Computer Engineering

Optical Communications

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.

The Opportunity

Join a team focused on validating Ciena’s WaveLogic Optical Modem through test planning, execution, and automation. This role contributes to product quality by validating customer use cases and collaborating with product management, R&D, and customer-facing teams. The position provides exposure to product validation activities in both lab and field environments.

How you will make an impact

Develop comprehensive test plans to validate customer use cases and product capabilities. Build test environments for execution while considering interactions across product features. Perform validation testing activities. Report defects and follow up on closure with the design team. Develop Python automation test cases to improve execution efficiency and augment existing automated test cases. Interact with customers, Product Line Management, and R&D teams. Participate in field activities related to product validation.

The must haves

• Education: Actively enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Optical Communications
• Experience: Experience developing automation with Python. Knowledge of optical technology and photonics. Understanding of software testing. Understanding of Linux operating systems and standard tools. Knowledge of automation languages such as Python and ability to write, execute, and troubleshoot automation scripts. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in troubleshooting.

Nice to haves

• Commitment to product quality and ability to understand customer perspectives. Communication, presentation, and public speaking skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaboration in a multi-site environment. Knowledge of software testing methodologies and best practices. Understanding of IP and Ethernet networking concepts, including TCP/IP, routing, switching, and VLANs. Understanding of CLI, JSON, and SDKs and how to use them to communicate with and configure devices. Ability to work from the Atlanta office at 1120 Sanctuary Parkway, Alpharetta, GA, Tuesday through Thursday.

Pay Range

The hourly range for this position is $27.00 - $37.50. 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.

Benefits

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

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.