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.

Help shape the next generation of adaptive networking platforms through hands-on system validation and automation within Ciena’s Product Verification organization. This role contributes directly to the quality, reliability, and performance of next-generation optical networking products used by global service providers and content operators. The position offers practical exposure to system testing, software automation, and cross-functional engineering collaboration in an onsite lab environment.

How you will make an impact:

• Execute system-level tests to validate performance, reliability, and functional behavior of next-generation networking products.
• Develop and maintain Python-based automation to improve test coverage, repeatability, and efficiency.
• Build and configure telecommunications network environments to support system testing and analysis.
• Investigate product behavior by collaborating with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams.
• Analyze test results to identify defects and contribute to root-cause investigations.
• Document test outcomes and produce reports used across engineering organizations.
• Collaborate with Product Verification teams across system, management, and northbound interface layers.

The must haves:

• Education: Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in networking, system testing, or test automation.
• Application of programming or scripting through coursework, projects, or industry exposure, including Python.
• Execution of test procedures with critical evaluation of results.
• Written and verbal communication applied within collaborative technical teams.
• Attention to detail aligned with quality-focused engineering environments.

Nice to haves:

• Exposure to test automation frameworks or Jupyter Notebooks.
• Understanding of basic network protocols or laboratory test equipment.
• Background in telecommunications networks or fiber-optic communications.
• Experience with large language models or generative AI, including prompt design, fine-tuning, evaluation, or small application development.
• Knowledge of MLOps concepts such as data pipelines, model deployment, containerization, or CI/CD practices.

Pay Range:

The hourly 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.

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.