Photonic Card Software Developer - 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.

oin a team delivering embedded software for RLS Interface Management modules that enable high-performance networking solutions. The role contributes to the design, testing, deployment, and optimization of embedded software across Linux and VxWorks environments. Success in this position supports reliable system performance through collaboration with factory teams, peer engineering teams, and third-party vendors.

How you will make an impact

Design and develop high-performance C/C++ software for embedded systems operating on Linux or VxWorks platforms.

Implement real-time operating system and networking protocol functionality to meet system performance and reliability requirements.

Develop modular and scalable software solutions aligned with system requirements.

Design and implement automated testing scripts and integrate testing activities into the development lifecycle.

Diagnose, troubleshoot, and optimize embedded software to improve reliability, performance, and resource utilization.

Collaborate with factory teams to enable testing and calibration of new modules.

Collaborate with peer teams and third-party vendors to maintain alignment on software requirements, defect resolution, and delivery schedules.

The must haves

Education: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering OR Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: 0-1 years of industry experience in embedded software development.

Application of C/C++ programming for embedded systems.

Nice to haves

Knowledge of photonic technologies and their application in networking systems.

Application of CPU hardware architectures, hardware functional specifications, hardware timing diagrams, and device data sheets.

Experience developing software for data-driven architectures, YANG, REST, JSON, and XML.

Utilization of Bitbucket or GitHub for version control and code collaboration.

Application of real-time operating systems, networking protocols, and host application interactions with hardware devices and drivers.

Familiarity with micro-service-based software architectures.

Experience working with Linux or VxWorks platforms.

Pay Range

The annual salary range for this role is $68,800 - $109,800

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.