As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.
Are you passionate about embedded software development and cutting-edge networking technologies?
Join Ciena as a Fabric Datapath Software Engineer and help shape the future of Layer 0/1/2/3 converged infrastructures. As part of the Waverouter software group, you’ll design and develop carrier-grade software for custom hardware platforms, enabling advanced datapath applications for Layer 2, MPLS, and IP networking. This is your opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and make an impact in metro networks and beyond.
How You Will Contribute:
Design and develop embedded “C” software for hardware abstraction layers and enable datapath applications like Layer 2, MPLS, and IP.
Write software for embedded Linux/VxWorks platforms, ensuring high performance and reliability.
Contribute to new product introductions, enhancements, and feature development for Ciena’s Routing and Switching portfolio.
Solve issues by collaborating with hardware, software, and system engineers to identify root causes and implement solutions.
Investigate and resolve design or process issues found in the codebase, while driving backlog defect reduction.
Optimize software performance through test-driven development, automated unit testing, and comprehensive integration testing.
Integrate software onto custom and off-the-shelf data plane hardware components such as ASICs, NPUs, FPGAs, TCAMs, and associated SDKs.
The Must Haves:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science.
5+ years of experience in embedded software development, with a passion for crafting high-performance solutions.
Expertise with Broadcom DNX/DNXF/XGS packet processing chipsets.
Extensive experience with C programming for multi-processor, highly concurrent systems.
Proven knowledge of real-time, embedded software development for data plane technologies, including fastpath hardware (ASICs, NPUs, FPGAs, TCAMs) and Layer 2/3 forwarding engines.
Ability to work in a lab environment and integrate software with data plane hardware components.
Strong understanding of mutual exclusion, synchronization, interrupt handling, and inter-process communication.
Self-starter with a positive attitude, strong verbal and technical writing skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
The Assets:
Familiarity with synchronization solutions like SyncE and IEEE-1588.
Experience with Agile development methodologies.
Pay Range:
The salary range for this position is $92,400.00 - $147,600.00 CDN
#LI-JD
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.
Top Skills
Ciena Ottawa, Ontario, CAN Office
385 Terry Fox Dr, , Ottawa, ON , Canada, K2K 0L1
