About the role#
Join Ciena as a Software Engineer (Security) Intern for a 4-month term starting in January 2027. You will work on software for optical and routing platforms while collaborating with experienced engineering teams. This role provides exposure to the full software development lifecycle and helps improve product functionality, reliability, and security.
What you'll do#
- Design, develop, and test new features in C and C++ for embedded systems.
- Investigate, debug, and resolve software defects to improve product stability and performance.
- Engage in the full software development lifecycle from concept and design through delivery.
- Develop scripts, test utilities, and automation tools to increase efficiency.
- Collaborate with software developers, system architects, and verification engineers on releases.
What you'll need#
- Active enrollment in a Bachelor's degree program for Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Solid programming skills in C and C++.
- Foundational understanding of Python.
- Strong grasp of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design.
- Interest in software development and solving technical problems.
- Exposure to Linux kernel and CPU hardware architectures.
- Familiarity with low-level software or firmware development.
- Knowledge of Agile or Waterfall methodologies.
- Experience with automated unit testing frameworks and writing clean, testable code.
- Familiarity with networking protocols including DWDM, OTN, Ethernet, TCP/IP, or MPLS.
- Knowledge of security concepts such as SSL, TLS, SSH, authentication, authorization, hashing, and encryption algorithms.
Location & details#
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia.
- Term: Winter 2027 (4 months).
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment: Full-time.
- Compensation: $27 - $37.50 per hour.
- Benefits: Access to the Employee Assistance Program, company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation pay.
About Ciena
Ciena operates as a public company in the telecommunications sector. Founded in 1992, the firm builds networking systems, automation software, and interconnects for data transmission. It maintains a global presence with its headquarters in Hanover, Maryland. The company employs over 10,000 people and focuses on high-speed connectivity solutions.
How to get in at Ciena
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.
