Embedded Software Engineer - 2025 New Grad

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.

Why Ciena?

· We are a company rooted in people—seeking to create a vibrant and inclusive environment, where everyone feels they can belong.

· We believe an inclusive, diverse, and barrier-free work environment makes for empowered and committed employees.

· Accelerate your career path by gaining hands-on experience and exposure to the latest technology. Be a part of tomorrow’s future – today.

· We recognize the importance of well-being and offer programs and benefits to support and sustain the mental and physical health of our employees and their families and also offer a variety of paid family leave programs.

· We are committed to employee development, offering tuition reimbursement and a variety of in-house learning and mentorship opportunities.

· Mentoring. Networking. Leadership Opportunities. We recognize that learning does not stop when you leave school - we champion a team environment for development and provide the tools to achieve success.

What will you do at Ciena?

Ciena is at the forefront of the networking industry, leading the way in networking systems, services, and software. We have a strong focus on providing high-performance network solutions to a diverse range of customers, including telecommunications providers, Global content network providers, data centers, and government agencies. Our expertise lies in advanced technologies like optical networking, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), coherent optics, photonic integrated circuits, and AI/ML for network optimization and automation. As a key member of our team, you will have a vital role in developing connectivity solutions that are scalable, reliable, and secure. Your work will be instrumental in meeting the ever-growing demand for high-speed data transmission and cloud-based services.

Responsibilities

As a member of a larger team, the candidate will participate in the software development life cycle, from development through delivery to the end customers.

General Activities

· Participate in C, C++ software development of new functionality in various software components for devices on a real-time OS.

· Participate in the full software development lifecycle (develop, test, document, debug and maintain the applications).

· Participate in backlog defect reduction.

· Develop scripts, test utilities, and other development aids to improve designer efficiency.

Collaboration with stakeholders

· Consult with engineers, architects, and other professional and technical personnel.

· Work with product verification and test teams to resolve problems

· Interaction with colleagues on large scale software releases

Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or equivalent

· Embedded C, C, C++, Python programming language

· Fundamentals of structured programming and design concepts

· Interest and aptitude for software development is a must

· Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn

One or more skills in the following areas would be an asset:

· Low-level Real-Time Software/Firmware Development

· Real time operating systems concepts

· Ability to understand CPU Hardware architectures, Hardware Functional Specifications and Hardware Timing Diagrams

· Software Development Life Cycles such as Agile or Waterfall

· Embedded Linux and/or VxWorks

· Experience with automated unit testing frameworks

· Familiarity with datacom and telecom concepts such as DWDM, SONET/SDH, OTN, Ethernet, OSI Model, TCP/IP, MPLS

Compensation and Benefits

The annual pay range for this position is $66,400 - $106,000 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.
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.

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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 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.