Senior Embedded Software Engineer

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. The WaveLogic Software Development team develops embedded software platforms that enable convergence across photonics, OTN, and Ethernet packet networking technologies. This role contributes to the delivery of software solutions supporting global network infrastructure through the development of embedded platforms, drivers, diagnostics, and applications. Collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams helps drive product delivery and continuous improvement. This is a fully in-office position based in Ottawa. Employees are required to work on-site 4 days per week. How you will make an impact: Participate in the software development lifecycle from development through customer delivery. Implement cross-platform software and services for embedded CPUs, SoCs, Ethernet PHYs, FPGAs, and optical technologies. Apply Linux kernel, TCP/IP stack, forwarding table, IP filtering, VLAN, and memory management concepts in software development activities. Design, code, and maintain drivers, diagnostics, and applications using C, C++, and Python. Debug software defects and analyze system throughput and performance. Port common operating system components across product families within Ciena. Develop scripts, test utilities, and development tools that improve engineering efficiency. The must haves: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent 6+ Years of experience with embedded C and C++ programming language application Linux kernel driver and user-space driver development Experience: Experience with BSP, security, and board bring-up Fundamentals of structured programming and design concepts Interest and aptitude for software development Enthusiasm and willingness to learn Nice to haves: Real-time operating systems concepts Experience developing drivers in Zephyr Ability to interpret CPU hardware architectures, hardware functional specifications, and hardware timing diagrams Exposure to software development methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall Familiarity with datacom and telecom concepts including DWDM, SONET/SDH, OTN, Ethernet, OSI Model, TCP/IP, and MPLS #LI-BS1 Pay Range: The annual pay range for this position is C$95,800 - C$153,000. 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.

Develop embedded software platforms, drivers, and applications to support global network infrastructure across photonics and Ethernet technologies. Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including debugging defects and optimizing system performance.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science with over 6 years of experience in embedded C/C++ and Linux kernel driver development. Candidates should have a strong foundation in BSP, board bring-up, and structured programming concepts.

• Medical plan • Dental plan • Vision plan • 401(K) (USA) • DCPP (Canada) with company matching • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Company-paid holidays • Paid sick leave • Vacation time • Paid Family Leave

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Embedded C
• C++
• Python
• Linux Kernel
• Driver Development
• TCP/IP Stack
• BSP
• Board Bring-up
• Zephyr
• Memory Management
• Agile
• Waterfall
• DWDM
• OTN
• Ethernet
• MPLS
• Board Bring-Up
• Software Solutions
• Network Infrastructure
• Product Delivery
• Waterfall Methodology
• Willingness To Learn
• C (Programming Language)
• Agile Methodology
• Software Development
• Telecommunications
• Synchronous Optical Networking
• Binary Space Partitioning
• C++ (Programming Language)
• Computer Science
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Wavelength-Division Multiplexing
• Debugging
• Operating Systems
• Software Development Life Cycle
• Programming Tools
• Embedded Software
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Employee Stock Purchase Planning
• Extensible Authentication Protocol
• Sales
• Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)
• Functional Specification
• Hardware Architecture
• Multiprotocol Label Switching
• OSI Models
• Python (Programming Language)
• Software Development Methodologies
• Real-Time Operating Systems
• Structured Programming

• Software
• Engineering
• Technology
• Embedded Software Engineer
• Software Developers

Minimum education

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum experience

6+ years

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Office presence

4 days per week