About the role#
Ciena is seeking an Embedded Software Developer intern to design, develop, and maintain high-performance software for networking products. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to networking solutions that support the future of telecommunications.
What you'll do#
- Design, implement, and debug embedded software for networking devices.
- Develop software using C, C++, and Python.
- Design, develop, and maintain intuitive graphical user interfaces.
- Develop and execute unit, integration, and system tests to ensure software quality.
- Analyze and resolve technical issues related to embedded software performance and functionality.
What you'll need#
- Current student in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Proficiency in C and C++ programming for embedded systems.
- Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design principles.
- Familiarity with networking protocols like Ethernet and TCP/IP.
- Familiarity with debugging tools such as JTAG and GDB, plus version control systems like Git.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- Previous internship, co-op, or applied project experience is an asset.
- Experience with device driver development, hardware bring-up, and board validation.
- Familiarity with bootloaders, firmware update mechanisms, and interfaces including SPI, I2C, UART, and GPIO.
Location & details#
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Term: Winter 2027.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Employment Type: Full time.
- Compensation: $25.50 to $35.00 per hour.
- Benefits: Includes 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.



