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.

Join a team focused on foundational embedded software technologies that enable advanced networking products. This role provides exposure to low-level Linux software, platform enablement activities, and the full software development lifecycle. Contributions help improve software quality, reliability, and engineering productivity.

How you will make an impact:

• Develop low-level software components for embedded software products.
• Work with Linux kernel components, packages, utilities, and build systems.
• Perform board bring-up and product lifecycle activities.
• Develop and maintain scripts, test utilities, and development tools.
• Execute software development lifecycle activities including development, testing, documentation, debugging, and maintenance.
• Contribute to defect reduction and software quality improvements.

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor's or higher degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or similar disciplines, recently obtained (within the past 12 months) or expected within the next 6 months.
• Experience: Previous internship, co-op, or applied project experience relevant to the role.
• Advanced level C programming.

Nice to haves:

• Experience developing software for embedded systems or telecom products.
• Linux kernel-space software (e.g., kernel modules).
• Linux user-space software (e.g., applications).
• Understanding of CPU hardware architectures, hardware functional specifications, hardware timing diagrams, and device data sheets.
• Understanding of low-level operating systems concepts (memory management, file systems, inter-process communication, scheduler, etc.) and hardware technologies (storage devices, DRAM configuration, CPU registers, etc.).
• Build systems and utilities (make, yocto, etc.).
• Tool chains (assembler, compiler, linker, etc.).

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.