Dataplane Software Engineer, Routing IP
Top Benefits
About the role
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.
Are you ready to help shape the future of IP/Optical convergence?
Ciena’s Coherent Routing is revolutionizing network performance through multi-layer operations, dynamic scalability, and improved sustainability. As a Dataplane Software Engineer you’ll be part of a team that designs and develops carrier-grade software for cutting-edge networking solutions, combining purpose-built routing, leading coherent optics, and intelligent photonics.
How You Will Contribute
- Collaborate across all stages of the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, coding, integration, verification, and support.
- Design and develop software in C/C++ for advanced Layer 2, MPLS, and IP services, including drivers, APIs, and dataplane applications.
- Engineer software for real-time embedded Linux environments, leveraging test-driven development and automated unit testing.
- Release new products, features, and enhancements while reducing backlog defects.
- Troubleshoot issues and work with hardware, software, and system engineers to identify root causes and resolve design challenges.
- Use Agile methodologies to manage your work, including effort estimation, tracking, and status reporting.
- Investigate and resolve process or design issues within the codebase.
The Must Haves
-
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering.
-
5+ years of experience in embedded software development within networking or telecommunications.
-
Extensive programming experience in C.
-
Proven expertise in developing software for multi-processor, highly concurrent systems running in embedded Linux environments.
-
Experience with real-time, embedded software development for data plane technologies, including:
-
Layer 2/3 forwarding engines (ASICs, NPUs, FPGAs, TCAMs).
-
MPLS, BGP, Segment Routing, IPv4/IPv6, E-VPN, and IP-VPN.
-
Embedded fast protection mechanisms like BFD, BGP-PIC, and FRR.
-
Traffic management, metering, and ACLs.
-
Strong knowledge of mutual exclusion, synchronization, interrupt handling, and inter-process communication.
The Assets
- Experience with Broadcom DNX/XGS packet processing chipsets.
- Familiarity with datapath programming using DPDK.
- Strong verbal and technical writing skills.
- Self-motivated problem solver with a willingness to learn and work independently.
- Collaborative mindset to thrive in multi-site, multi-geography team environments.
Pay Range CDN: $99,200.00 - $158,400.00
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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community to get relevant job alerts straight to your inbox.
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.
About Ciena
Ciena (NYSE:CIEN) is a global leader in optical and routing systems, services, and automation software. We build the world’s most adaptive networks to address ever-increasing digital demands for richer, more connected experiences for all users. For three-plus decades, we’ve brought our innate sense of humanity to our relentless pursuit of innovation. We prioritize deep, collaborative relationships within our teams, and alongside our customers, partners, and communities—local and global.
Dataplane Software Engineer, Routing IP
Top Benefits
About the role
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.
Are you ready to help shape the future of IP/Optical convergence?
Ciena’s Coherent Routing is revolutionizing network performance through multi-layer operations, dynamic scalability, and improved sustainability. As a Dataplane Software Engineer you’ll be part of a team that designs and develops carrier-grade software for cutting-edge networking solutions, combining purpose-built routing, leading coherent optics, and intelligent photonics.
How You Will Contribute
- Collaborate across all stages of the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, coding, integration, verification, and support.
- Design and develop software in C/C++ for advanced Layer 2, MPLS, and IP services, including drivers, APIs, and dataplane applications.
- Engineer software for real-time embedded Linux environments, leveraging test-driven development and automated unit testing.
- Release new products, features, and enhancements while reducing backlog defects.
- Troubleshoot issues and work with hardware, software, and system engineers to identify root causes and resolve design challenges.
- Use Agile methodologies to manage your work, including effort estimation, tracking, and status reporting.
- Investigate and resolve process or design issues within the codebase.
The Must Haves
-
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering.
-
5+ years of experience in embedded software development within networking or telecommunications.
-
Extensive programming experience in C.
-
Proven expertise in developing software for multi-processor, highly concurrent systems running in embedded Linux environments.
-
Experience with real-time, embedded software development for data plane technologies, including:
-
Layer 2/3 forwarding engines (ASICs, NPUs, FPGAs, TCAMs).
-
MPLS, BGP, Segment Routing, IPv4/IPv6, E-VPN, and IP-VPN.
-
Embedded fast protection mechanisms like BFD, BGP-PIC, and FRR.
-
Traffic management, metering, and ACLs.
-
Strong knowledge of mutual exclusion, synchronization, interrupt handling, and inter-process communication.
The Assets
- Experience with Broadcom DNX/XGS packet processing chipsets.
- Familiarity with datapath programming using DPDK.
- Strong verbal and technical writing skills.
- Self-motivated problem solver with a willingness to learn and work independently.
- Collaborative mindset to thrive in multi-site, multi-geography team environments.
Pay Range CDN: $99,200.00 - $158,400.00
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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community to get relevant job alerts straight to your inbox.
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.
About Ciena
Ciena (NYSE:CIEN) is a global leader in optical and routing systems, services, and automation software. We build the world’s most adaptive networks to address ever-increasing digital demands for richer, more connected experiences for all users. For three-plus decades, we’ve brought our innate sense of humanity to our relentless pursuit of innovation. We prioritize deep, collaborative relationships within our teams, and alongside our customers, partners, and communities—local and global.