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 redefining the future of connectivity by delivering high-performance network solutions to telecommunications providers, data centers, government agencies, and global content networks. The Embedded Software Developer role advances technologies including optical networking, SDN, coherent optics, photonic integrated circuits, and AI/ML for network optimization. The work contributes to scalable, reliable, and secure connectivity solutions that meet growing demand for high-speed data transmission and cloud-based services.
How you will make an impact:
- Develop new functionality in various software components for devices running on real-time operating systems using C, C++, and Python.
- Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including development, testing, documentation, debugging, and maintenance.
- Reduce backlog defects to improve software quality and reliability.
- Use AI-assisted tools to improve coding, testing, debugging, documentation, and development efficiency.
- Create scripts, test utilities, and development aids to enhance designer efficiency.
- Consult with engineers, architects, and technical personnel to ensure solutions align with design requirements.
- Collaborate with product verification and test teams to resolve issues and with colleagues on large-scale software releases, ensuring seamless integration and delivery.
The must haves:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.
- Experience: Previous internship, co-op, or applied project experience relevant to the role.
- Proficiency in embedded programming languages: C, C++, and Python.
- Ability to effectively use AI-assisted tools for software development.
- Fundamentals in structured programming and design concepts.
- Enthusiasm for software development and a willingness to learn.
Nice to haves:
- Experience in low-level real-time software/firmware development.
- Familiarity with real-time operating systems concepts (e.g., Embedded Linux, VxWorks).
- Experience using AI tools in software development workflows.
- Knowledge of software development methodologies like Agile or Waterfall.
- Experience with automated unit testing frameworks.
- Familiarity with datacom concepts such as Ethernet, OSI Model, and TCP/IP.
- Understanding of secure protocols (SSH/TLS), cryptographic algorithms, x.509 certificates, and encryption technologies.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent
- Previous internship, co-op, or relevant applied project experience
- Proficiency in C, C++, and Python
- Ability to effectively use AI-assisted tools for software development
- Fundamentals in structured programming and software design concepts
- Enthusiasm for software development and willingness to learn
- Experience in low-level real-time software or firmware development
- Familiarity with real-time operating systems concepts, including Embedded Linux or VxWorks
- Experience using AI tools in software development workflows
- Knowledge of Agile or Waterfall software development methodologies
- Experience with automated unit testing frameworks
- Familiarity with Ethernet, OSI Model, and TCP/IP
- Understanding of SSH, TLS, cryptographic algorithms, X.509 certificates, and encryption technologies
Ciena Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Ciena and has not been reviewed or approved by Ciena.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is often characterized as competitive or above-market in certain roles and regions, with references to market-aligned salary ranges and transparency around pay bands.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is frequently framed as comprehensive, including medical, dental, and vision, with indications that coverage can extend to dependents and is viewed as a meaningful component of total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off offerings are described as flexible and generous, including Flex/uncapped PTO in many cases and additional paid time for volunteering.
Ciena Insights
What We Do
Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) is a global leader in networking systems, services, and software. We build the world’s most adaptive networks to enable our customers to deliver richer, more connected experiences for all users. At our core, Ciena is a company rooted in people. We prioritize deep, collaborative relationships within our teams and alongside our customers, partners, and communities around the world. For three-plus decades, we’ve brought our humanity to our relentless pursuit of innovation. We continue to lead the evolution of networking with a strong track record of industry firsts. As end-user expectations skyrocket, our customers and their networks must transform. Ciena powers this transformation by driving next-generation solutions built for maximum openness and agility—today and into the future. Corporate/Brand Values: • Customer First • Integrity • Velocity • Innovation • Outstanding People We're the perfect size for you to make an impact. W Only Ciena has the depth of expertise and the culture of collaboration and partnership required to help our partners evolve. We do this by strategically integrating hardware, services, and software in an open environment to ensure our clients’ networks are ‘fit for flexibility’ today and into the f
Why Work With Us
We are known for our industry-firsts, including the first coherent optical solution, converged packet-optical platform, and intelligence automation platform. Our commitment extends beyond innovation, logging in over 35,000 volunteer hours and $2 million to worthy causes in 2023. We're the perfect size and culture for you to make a difference.
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