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.
- Design, implement, and debug high-performance software for real-time embedded systems used in optical networking platforms.
- Collaborate with hardware, quality assurance, and system engineering teams to define software requirements and interfaces.
- Develop and maintain software components spanning operating systems, drivers, control plane, and data plane functionality.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex software issues in multi-threaded and distributed environments.
- Apply industry trends and emerging technologies to embedded systems and networking challenges.
- Education: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering OR Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, graduating in 2026.
- Experience: Application of C and C++ programming in academic or project-based software development.
- Background in embedded systems development, including interaction with real-time operating systems and multi-threaded execution models.
- Application of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design principles in software implementations.
- Utilization of Linux-based development environments, including scripting with languages such as Python or Bash.
- Use of software development tools including debuggers, version control systems, and automated build tools.
- Demonstrated analytical, debugging, and problem-solving capabilities in a team-oriented development setting.
- Exposure to networking protocols and concepts such as TCP/IP and Ethernet.
- Background working with control plane or data plane software components.
- Familiarity with distributed system behaviors in embedded or networking contexts.
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
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, graduating in 2026
- Application of C and C++ programming in academic or project-based software development
- Background in embedded systems development, including real-time operating systems and multithreaded execution models
- Application of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design principles
- Experience with Linux-based development environments and scripting languages such as Python or Bash
- Use of debuggers, version control systems, and automated build tools
- Analytical, debugging, and problem-solving capabilities in a team-oriented development setting
- Exposure to networking protocols and concepts such as TCP/IP and Ethernet
- Background working with control plane or data plane software components
- Familiarity with distributed system behaviors in embedded or networking contexts
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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