Embedded Software Engineer - New Grad

Location: Ottawa

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.

At Ciena, we are the global leader in high-speed connectivity, building the world’s most adaptive networks to empower customers, partners, and communities to thrive in the AI era. This 2027 New Grad opportunity provides hands-on experience contributing to real-world engineering challenges within a dynamic embedded software team working on leading edge technology in the telecommunications area. The role offers exposure to the development and testing of software that powers flagship networking products while learning from experienced engineering professionals.

How you will make an impact

Contribute to coding assignments that enhance embedded platform and application software.

Create and execute tests to validate new capabilities.

Collaborate with team members following Agile development practices.

Participate in high level design, automated testing, and apply feedback to improve software quality.

Troubleshoot and resolve software issues.

Learn and apply modern development workflows and tools.

Embrace AI tools and technologies at every step of the software design lifecycle while gaining hands-on experience with real-time embedded systems.

The must haves

Education: Graduated in 2027, with a degree program in Engineering or Computer Science.

Experience: Previous internship, co-op, or applied project experience relevant to the role.

Foundational knowledge of coding concepts and programming structures.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies and tools.

Nice to haves

Exposure to programming or scripting languages such as C, C++, Python, Bash, or Java.

Familiarity with development tools including Git, Bitbucket, or Jira.

Experience with unit test frameworks such as Google Test, JUnit, Robot, or PyTest.

Experience with using AI, GitHub Copilot, test case generation, and designing and implementing AI agents and workflows.

Understanding of debugging tools such as gdb.

Interest in learning more about real-time and embedded software environments and automated testing.

Pay Range

The annual pay range for this role is $72,000 - $115,000.

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 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.