About the role#
This internship offers hands-on experience within an embedded software team. You will contribute to the development and testing of software that powers networking products while working alongside experienced engineering professionals. The term starts in September 2026 and lasts for 4, 8, 10, or 12 months.
What you'll do#
- Write code to improve embedded platforms and application software.
- Create and run tests to validate new features.
- Work with your team using Agile development practices.
- Join code reviews and use feedback to refine your work.
- Troubleshoot and fix software issues.
- Learn modern development workflows and gain experience with real-time embedded systems.
What you'll need#
- Active enrollment in a Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering degree program.
- A solid grasp of basic coding concepts and programming structures.
- The ability to work well on your own and as part of a team.
- A desire to learn new tools and technologies.
- Readiness to use AI tools throughout the software design lifecycle.
- Helpful, but not required, experience includes C, C++, Python, Bash, or Java, as well as familiarity with Git, Jira, or unit testing frameworks.
Location & details#
- This role is based on-site in Ottawa, Ontario.
- The position is full-time and paid, with an hourly rate between $25.00 and $35.00.
- Benefits include access to the Employee Assistance Program, company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation pay.
How to get in at Ciena
Intern Insider's per-company playbook.
Applying early to Ciena gives you a significant advantage because recruiters review applications before the volume of candidates becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first and get seen before the pile grows. Reaching out to the right person often beats waiting in a digital queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves response rates.


