About the role#
This is an 8-month internship starting in January 2027. You will gain practical experience in software engineering, optical transport telecommunications, and Layer 3/IP networking. You will work in a lab environment to support Ciena networking solutions through automation, technical validation, and knowledge transfer.
What you'll do#
- Conduct lab engineering activities for optical transport, routing, switching, and software-based networking solutions.
- Perform software development, scripting, automation, testing, and troubleshooting in a lab environment.
- Configure, validate, and document network scenarios involving Layer 3/IP networking concepts.
- Execute test plans, collect results, analyze issues, and document findings.
- Contribute to technical documentation, training materials, demonstrations, and knowledge-transfer content.
- Learn and document how new product features and solution capabilities are introduced to Services teams, partners, and customers.
- Collaborate with global technical teams across software, optical networking, and IP networking initiatives.
What you'll need#
- Active enrollment in a degree program in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
- Foundational software engineering skills with experience in at least one programming or scripting language such as Python, C, C++, Java, JavaScript, or Bash.
- Basic understanding of software development practices including version control, debugging, testing, and documentation.
- Foundational understanding of Layer 3/IP networking concepts like IP addressing, routing, switching, TCP/IP, and common network protocols.
- Interest in optical transport telecommunications such as DWDM, OTN, coherent optics, photonic systems, or carrier networking technologies.
- Comfort working in a lab environment with hardware, software, network elements, test tools, and engineering documentation.
- Ability to follow technical procedures, execute test plans, capture results, and document observations accurately.
- Helpful experience includes Python scripting, automation, REST APIs, Linux, Git, and familiarity with routing protocols such as OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, or MPLS.
Location & details#
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Employment Type: Full-time.
- Term: Winter 2027.
- Pay Range: $25.50 - $35.00 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.
