Embedded Software Developer - New Grad

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.

Ciena is seeking an Embedded Software Developer to design, develop, and maintain high-performance software for networking products. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to networking solutions that support the future of telecommunications while working in a collaborative development environment. The successful candidate will participate in the design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of software features across the product lifecycle.

How you will make an impact:

• Design, implement, and debug embedded software for networking devices, including routers, switches, and optical transport systems.
• Develop software in C/C++ and Python.
• Design, develop, and maintain intuitive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that meet product requirements.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and documentation.
• Develop and execute unit, integration, and system tests to ensure software quality and reliability.
• Analyze and resolve technical issues related to embedded software performance and functionality.
• Contribute to code reviews, design discussions, and architectural planning.

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Previous internship, co-op, or applied project experience relevant to the role.
• Proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded systems.
• Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design principles.
• Familiarity with networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet, TCP/IP, MPLS, OSPF, BGP).
• Experience with debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, GDB) and version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Nice to haves:

• Experience with embedded Linux
• Knowledge of RTOS concepts (Zephyr, VxWorks, etc.)
• Experience with device driver development
• Hardware bring-up and board validation experience
• Familiarity with bootloaders and firmware update mechanisms
• Experience with SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO

Pay Range:

The annual pay range for this position is $68,800 - $109,800.

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.