Platform Software Developer - New Grads

Overview

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.

• 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; utilisation of Linux‑based development environments, including scripting with languages such as Python or Bash; use of software development tools such as debuggers, version control systems and automated build tools;
  
  demonstrated analytical, debugging, and problem‑solving capabilities in a team‑oriented development setting.
• Nice to haves: 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.

The annual pay range for this position is $69,900 to $111,700. 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. In addition to competitive compensation, non‑sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission.

• Medical, dental and vision plans
• 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
• Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence in accordance with applicable laws

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.