Software Engineer (Security) - Intern (Winter 2027)

Location: Atlanta

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 4 months starting in January 2027

Join Ciena as a Software Engineer (Security) Intern and contribute to software that supports industry-leading optical and routing platforms. This opportunity provides exposure to the full software development lifecycle while working alongside experienced engineering teams. Contributions will help improve product functionality, performance, reliability, and security.

How you will make an impact

Design, develop, and test new features in C and C++ for embedded systems.

Investigate, debug, and resolve software defects to improve product stability, performance, and reliability.

Engage in the full software development lifecycle from concept and design through testing, documentation, and delivery.

Develop scripts, test utilities, and automation tools to improve development efficiency.

Collaborate with software developers, system architects, and verification engineers on software releases.

The must haves

Education: Actively enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field,

Solid programming skills in C/C++ and a foundational understanding of Python.

Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design.

Interest in software development and solving technical problems.

Nice to haves

Exposure to Linux kernel.

Understanding of CPU hardware architectures and low-level software or firmware development.

Knowledge of Agile or Waterfall software development methodologies.

Exposure to automated unit testing frameworks and writing clean, testable code.

Familiarity with DWDM, OTN, Ethernet, TCP/IP, or MPLS.

Familiarity with SSL, TLS, SSH, Authentication, Authorization, Accounting, hashing, and encryption algorithms.

Pay Range

The hourly pay range for this role is $27 - $37.50.

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.