Embedded Software Engineer - New Grad 2026
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.
About Ciena
At Ciena, we're not just shaping today's networks—we're building the hyper-connected world of tomorrow. As a global leader in networking systems, services, and software, our technology is integral to the digital experiences that connect us all. We seek bright, ambitious, and passionate new graduates to join our team and help us redefine what's possible. This is more than a job—it's your career launchpad.
How You Will Contribute
- Design, develop, and test innovative features in C and C++ for complex embedded systems.
- Investigate, debug, and resolve challenging software defects to enhance product stability, performance, and reliability.
- Engage in the complete software development lifecycle, including architectural design, testing, documentation, and delivery.
- Create scripts, test utilities, and automation tools to streamline development processes and optimize team productivity.
- Collaborate in a dynamic, cross-functional environment with developers, architects, and verification engineers to deliver large-scale software releases.
The Must Haves
- Pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Proficiency in programming with C/C++ and foundational knowledge of scripting languages like Python.
- Strong understanding of computer science concepts, including data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design.
- Passion for software development, curiosity, and a drive to solve complex technical challenges.
Nice to Haves
- Exposure to embedded systems, including Linux kernel.
- Understanding of CPU hardware architectures and experience with low-level software/firmware development.
- Familiarity with software development methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall.
- Experience with automated unit testing frameworks and commitment to writing clean, high-quality, testable code.
- Knowledge of networking concepts like DWDM, OTN, Ethernet, TCP/IP, or MPLS.
Pay Range:
The annual pay range for this position is $62,100-$99,100
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.
Embedded Software Engineer - New Grad 2026
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.
About Ciena
At Ciena, we're not just shaping today's networks—we're building the hyper-connected world of tomorrow. As a global leader in networking systems, services, and software, our technology is integral to the digital experiences that connect us all. We seek bright, ambitious, and passionate new graduates to join our team and help us redefine what's possible. This is more than a job—it's your career launchpad.
How You Will Contribute
- Design, develop, and test innovative features in C and C++ for complex embedded systems.
- Investigate, debug, and resolve challenging software defects to enhance product stability, performance, and reliability.
- Engage in the complete software development lifecycle, including architectural design, testing, documentation, and delivery.
- Create scripts, test utilities, and automation tools to streamline development processes and optimize team productivity.
- Collaborate in a dynamic, cross-functional environment with developers, architects, and verification engineers to deliver large-scale software releases.
The Must Haves
- Pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Proficiency in programming with C/C++ and foundational knowledge of scripting languages like Python.
- Strong understanding of computer science concepts, including data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design.
- Passion for software development, curiosity, and a drive to solve complex technical challenges.
Nice to Haves
- Exposure to embedded systems, including Linux kernel.
- Understanding of CPU hardware architectures and experience with low-level software/firmware development.
- Familiarity with software development methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall.
- Experience with automated unit testing frameworks and commitment to writing clean, high-quality, testable code.
- Knowledge of networking concepts like DWDM, OTN, Ethernet, TCP/IP, or MPLS.
Pay Range:
The annual pay range for this position is $62,100-$99,100
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.