As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.
How You Will Contribute:
As a Software Engineer at Ciena, you will play a key role in developing software for industry-leading Data Center PON Solutions. You will design and develop software for Ciena’s next generation Data Center Out-of-band Management (DCOM) solutions built on Passive Optical Networking (PON) technology targeting AI hyperscalers and neoscalers. Your contributions will focus on enhancing Ciena’s DCOM PON management and control software running on embedded Linux platforms.
Develop the next generation of Routing and Switching software solutions supporting 10Gbps PON network technologies and applications for Layer 2/3 data networking on a wide range of switch and host platforms.
Contribute new features to Ciena’s SAOS embedded PON software and platforms, enabling new customers and markets, and accelerating time to market for Ciena’s Data Center PON products.
Design, implement and test C/C++ and Python software for managing PON network devices.
Collaborate across all stages of the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, functional specification, design, coding, integration, verification, and support.
Design and develop software for real-time embedded Linux environments.
The Must Haves:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or foreign equivalent with 7+ years of experience in a software development role, preferably in a data networking or telecommunications environment.
Proficiency in C/C++ Python, Object Oriented Design, embedded software, and software engineering principles.
Solid understanding of the Linux operating system, including tools, scripting, system calls, socket programming, databases, and software development in a Linux environment.
Use of tools and infrastructure such as GIT, Bitbucket, JIRA, Docker buildx, and Yocto.
Demonstrable experience working with remote teams distributed across the globe.
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
Assets:
Design experience in the following areas:
Ethernet, VLAN, QoS, IPv4, IPv6, and L2/L3 access network switching and routing
Broadband technologies including PON (FTTx), OLT and ONT/ONU
Network management, NETCONF/YANG, gRPC/gNMI, Telemetry, REST
Docker, SDN, NFV, disaggregated network solutions
Database applications, preferably MongoDB or JSON-like database
Experience with secure networking technologies, SSH, TLS, X.509 certificates
Familiarity with Web development frameworks such as Angular and Django, user interface design, and Reactive Web Design
Pay Range:
The salary range for this position, in Canada, is $99,200.00 - $158,400.00 CAD
#LI-JD
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 Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or foreign equivalent
- 7+ years of experience in a software development role
- Proficiency in C/C++, Python, Object Oriented Design, embedded software
- Solid understanding of the Linux operating system
- Experience with tools like GIT, Bitbucket, JIRA, Docker buildx, and Yocto
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Gallery
