FPGA/DSP Programmer – Co-Op/Intern Winter 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.
The Opportunity Join Ciena, a global leader in optical networking systems, services, and software, as part of our WaveLogic Science Team. This team is dedicated to research and development, with a history of discovering and integrating cutting-edge technologies into Ciena’s products. In this paid Co-Op position, you will contribute to innovative optical systems engineering projects while gaining hands-on experience in FPGA programming and digital signal processing (DSP).
How You Will Contribute As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will:
- FPGA Programming: Develop and program FPGA systems to capture, process, and export data in real-time measurement environments.
- Networking Protocols: Implement networking protocols such as Ethernet and UDP within FPGA systems.
- DSP Algorithms: Design efficient hardware implementations for DSP algorithms, including filtering and resampling.
The Must Haves To be successful in this role, you should possess:
- Enrollment in an Undergraduate- or Graduate-level program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
- Demonstrated proficiency in FPGA programming, particularly using VHDL.
- Familiarity with basic computer networking, including Ethernet and UDP protocols.
Assets While not required, the following skills and experiences will set you apart:
- Understanding of real-time processing, lasers, and optics.
- Mechanical design experience related to enclosures for hardware systems.
- Hands-on experience integrating peripherals into hobby development boards (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi).
Pay Range The hourly pay range for this position is $25.00 - $33.00
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.
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.
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.
FPGA/DSP Programmer – Co-Op/Intern Winter 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.
The Opportunity Join Ciena, a global leader in optical networking systems, services, and software, as part of our WaveLogic Science Team. This team is dedicated to research and development, with a history of discovering and integrating cutting-edge technologies into Ciena’s products. In this paid Co-Op position, you will contribute to innovative optical systems engineering projects while gaining hands-on experience in FPGA programming and digital signal processing (DSP).
How You Will Contribute As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will:
- FPGA Programming: Develop and program FPGA systems to capture, process, and export data in real-time measurement environments.
- Networking Protocols: Implement networking protocols such as Ethernet and UDP within FPGA systems.
- DSP Algorithms: Design efficient hardware implementations for DSP algorithms, including filtering and resampling.
The Must Haves To be successful in this role, you should possess:
- Enrollment in an Undergraduate- or Graduate-level program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
- Demonstrated proficiency in FPGA programming, particularly using VHDL.
- Familiarity with basic computer networking, including Ethernet and UDP protocols.
Assets While not required, the following skills and experiences will set you apart:
- Understanding of real-time processing, lasers, and optics.
- Mechanical design experience related to enclosures for hardware systems.
- Hands-on experience integrating peripherals into hobby development boards (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi).
Pay Range The hourly pay range for this position is $25.00 - $33.00
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.
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.
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.