WaveLogic Software Intern Spring 2027

Ciena Corporation; Alpharetta (GA); On-site; USD 37,195,000 - 51,660,000; Part time

Job summary

Ciena Corporation in Alpharetta, GA is offering an internship with the WaveLogic software team to develop embedded software for next‑generation optical networking technologies. You will gain hands‑on experience in embedded systems, Linux/RTOS, and networking features while collaborating with cross‑functional teams.

The role emphasizes debugging, design, validation, and documentation of advanced networking capabilities, with opportunities to learn CPU hardware concepts, tooling, and scripting in

Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, C, C++ programming language experience
• Good knowledge of embedded systems, device drivers (e.g., GPIO, I2C drivers), Linux/RTOS operating systems, mutual exclusion, synchronization, interrupt handling, inter-process communication, memory management, etc.
• Positive work attitude, self‑motivation, and ability to seek answers independently while learning new concepts
• Strong verbal and technical writing skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding and expertise in next‑generation network solutions using optical transport and switching technologies such as OTN and Ethernet.
• Design, develop, validate, and document advanced networking features and capabilities for embedded software applications.
• Diagnose, debug, and resolve embedded software issues by identifying root causes and implementing timely fixes.
• Collaborate with multi‑functional teams to design, develop, and test next‑generation modem technologies.

Skills

C

C++

Embedded systems

Linux/RTOS

Memory management

Debugging

Inter-process communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related

Tools

Git

Eclipse

JIRA

Confluence

GDB

Yocto

Python

Go

Bash

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

Interns joining the WaveLogic software team gain hands‑on experience contributing to next‑generation optical networking technologies. The role provides opportunities to build technical expertise in embedded software development, networking technologies, and cross‑functional collaboration while working on solutions used in service provider networks.

How you will make an impact

• Develop understanding and expertise in next‑generation network solutions using optical transport and switching technologies such as OTN and Ethernet.
• Design, develop, validate, and document advanced networking features and capabilities for embedded software applications.
• Diagnose, debug, and resolve embedded software issues by identifying root causes and implementing timely fixes.
• Collaborate with multi‑functional teams to design, develop, and test next‑generation modem technologies.

The must haves

• Education: Actively enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, C, C++ programming language experience
• Good knowledge of embedded systems, device drivers (e.g., GPIO, I2C drivers), Linux/RTOS operating systems, mutual exclusion, synchronization, interrupt handling, inter-process communication, memory management, etc.
• Positive work attitude, self‑motivation, and ability to seek answers independently while learning new concepts
• Strong verbal and technical writing skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment

Nice to haves

• Familiarity with datacom and telecom concepts such as DWDM, OTN, Ethernet, TCP/IP
• Low‑level real‑time software/firmware development including hardware bring‑up and interfacing with third‑party devices
• Ability to understand CPU hardware architectures, hardware functional specifications, and hardware timing diagrams
• Linux as a software development environment
• Design and development tools such as Git, Eclipse, JIRA, Confluence, GDB, Yocto YANG modeling language and toolchains
• Scripting experience with Python, Go, BASH

Pay Range

The pay 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. 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.

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.