Software Developer Intern - Winter 2027

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.

The Opportunity: Work term of 8-12 months starting in Winter 2027.

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 co-op/intern opportunity provides hands-on experience contributing to real-world engineering challenges within an embedded software team. 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 code reviews and apply feedback to improve software quality

Troubleshoot and resolve software issues

Learn and apply modern development workflows and tools

Gain hands-on experience with real-time embedded systems

The must haves

Education: Actively enrolled in a degree program in Engineering or Computer Science,

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

Embrace AI tools and technologies at every step of the software design lifecycle.

Nice to haves

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

Familiarity with development tools including git, Bitbucket, Gerrit, 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 hourly pay range is $25.50 to $35.00.

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.