Software Liquid Spectrum Applications Intern (Fall 2026)

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 Opportunity: Join the Liquid Spectrum (LQS) Applications team and contribute to software applications and algorithms that help telecommunications network operators analyze, optimize, and plan their optical networks. This role offers hands-on experience developing tools and applications focused on optical network performance while collaborating with experienced engineers. Exposure to software development, data analysis, and optical networking technologies will be gained in a fast-paced engineering environment. How you will make an impact: Develop and improve software applications and tools. Analyze large datasets to identify insights into optical network performance. Collaborate with engineers throughout the software development lifecycle. Contribute to the design, implementation, and testing of software solutions. Apply technologies used in optical networking. The must haves: Education: Actively enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field, A strong interest in photonics and optical networking. Solid programming skills in Python and Javascript. Experience using git for version control. Comfortable working in a Linux/bash command-line environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Nice to haves: Frontend development with technologies like React. Containerized application development (Docker, docker-compose). Distributed/parallel workloads. Working with large datasets. Data engineering pipelines (e.g., Snowflake). Relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL). Configuring Jenkins or Teamcity. Pay Range: The hourly pay range for this position is $25 to $32 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. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers students access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation pay as required by applicable laws. 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 and improve software applications and algorithms to analyze, optimize, and plan optical networks. Collaborate with engineering teams throughout the software development lifecycle to design, implement, and test solutions.

Must be actively enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field. Requires solid programming skills in Python and Javascript, along with experience in Linux/bash and version control.

• Employee Assistance Program • Company-paid holidays • Paid sick leave • Vacation pay

• PostgreSQLPreferred
• ReactPreferred
• Data analysisPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Python
• Javascript
• Git
• Linux
• Bash
• Optical networking
• Data analysis
• Software development
• React
• Docker
• Docker-compose
• PostgreSQL
• Jenkins
• Teamcity
• Snowflake
• Photonics
• Docker Compose
• Software Solutions
• Pipelines
• Git (Version Control System)
• Snowflake (Data Warehouse)
• Collaborate with Engineers
• Containerized Application
• JavaScript (Programming Language)
• Algorithms
• Data Analysis
• Software Development
• Bash (Scripting Language)
• Command-Line Interface
• Version Control
• Telecommunications Networks
• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Data Engineering
• Relational Databases
• Software Development Life Cycle
• Extensible Authentication Protocol
• Front End Design
• Python (Programming Language)
• Network Performance Management
• Verbal Communication Skills
• React.js (Javascript Library)
• Business Priorities
• Docker (Software)

• Software
• Technology
• Engineering
• Data & Analytics
• Software Applications Manager
• Python Developer
• Software Developers

Minimum education

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum experience

0+ years

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week