Embedded Software Engineer Intern (Real-Time Systems) - 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 Work term of 4, 8, 12 or 16 months starting in January 2026.
At Ciena You Will Design, Implement, And Maintain Real-time Embedded Platform And Application Software For Our Flagship 6500 Product. As a Co-op/intern, You Will Have a Mentor And Work Alongside Industry Experts, Gain Hands-on Experience, And Help Shape The Future Of Optical Networking By
- Developing software for Linux and VxWorks kernels and base components.
- Implementing system applications for traffic/equipment protection, performance monitoring, communications, shelf configuration, security, and upgrades.
- Designing drivers for proprietary and third-party ASICs, FPGAs, and other hardware components.
- Bridging hardware/software abstraction layers to ensure seamless integration.
- Fault and alarms subsystems to detect, report and maintain defect tracking.
- Learn software development best practices to facilitate product delivery to our extensive customer field deployment across the world.
Must Haves
- Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master's degree in computer or electrical engineering, computer science, or similar disciplines.
- Experience with C or C++
Assets
- Developing software for embedded systems or telecom products
- Experience with the Linux command line and development tools such as VS Code & Eclipse
- Understanding of CPU hardware architectures, hardware functional specifications, hardware timing diagrams, device data sheets
- Understanding of real-time operating systems and embedded systems
- Software development tools such as git, BitBucket, Gerrit, Jira
- Unit test frameworks such as Google Test, PyTest, JUnit, Robot, and the like
- Debuggers and tools (e.g., gdb), especially for troubleshooting embedded systems in user and kernel spaces.
- High-level programming and scripting languages such as Python, bash, LUA, and Perl
- YANG modeling language and toolchains
- Software development methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall
- Familiarity with datacom and telecom concepts such as DWDM, SONET/SDH, OTN, Ethernet, OSI Model, TCP/IP, MPLS, OSR
The pay range for this position is $25.00-34.00
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.
Embedded Software Engineer Intern (Real-Time Systems) - 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 Work term of 4, 8, 12 or 16 months starting in January 2026.
At Ciena You Will Design, Implement, And Maintain Real-time Embedded Platform And Application Software For Our Flagship 6500 Product. As a Co-op/intern, You Will Have a Mentor And Work Alongside Industry Experts, Gain Hands-on Experience, And Help Shape The Future Of Optical Networking By
- Developing software for Linux and VxWorks kernels and base components.
- Implementing system applications for traffic/equipment protection, performance monitoring, communications, shelf configuration, security, and upgrades.
- Designing drivers for proprietary and third-party ASICs, FPGAs, and other hardware components.
- Bridging hardware/software abstraction layers to ensure seamless integration.
- Fault and alarms subsystems to detect, report and maintain defect tracking.
- Learn software development best practices to facilitate product delivery to our extensive customer field deployment across the world.
Must Haves
- Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master's degree in computer or electrical engineering, computer science, or similar disciplines.
- Experience with C or C++
Assets
- Developing software for embedded systems or telecom products
- Experience with the Linux command line and development tools such as VS Code & Eclipse
- Understanding of CPU hardware architectures, hardware functional specifications, hardware timing diagrams, device data sheets
- Understanding of real-time operating systems and embedded systems
- Software development tools such as git, BitBucket, Gerrit, Jira
- Unit test frameworks such as Google Test, PyTest, JUnit, Robot, and the like
- Debuggers and tools (e.g., gdb), especially for troubleshooting embedded systems in user and kernel spaces.
- High-level programming and scripting languages such as Python, bash, LUA, and Perl
- YANG modeling language and toolchains
- Software development methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall
- Familiarity with datacom and telecom concepts such as DWDM, SONET/SDH, OTN, Ethernet, OSI Model, TCP/IP, MPLS, OSR
The pay range for this position is $25.00-34.00
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.