Senior Software Engineer - Embedded Software; Optical Networking

Overview

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams prioritize a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

This is a hybrid on-site role (not eligible for full-time remote work) where your technical leadership will directly influence product performance and customer success. Join Ciena’s Wave Logic Modem Software team and help shape the future of optical transport. In this role, you’ll lead the design and implementation of embedded C/C++ software for next-generation optical networking and transport systems. This senior technical lead role combines hands-on coding with software architecture, influencing how hardware and software integrate to power high-speed networks.

• Lead design, coding, and integration of embedded C/C++ software on Linux and real-time operating systems (RTOS such as Zephyr).

• Develop software that interfaces with FPGA/ASIC hardware on SoC platforms.

• Own the full lifecycle: requirements, architecture, implementation, testing, and customer deployment.

• Prototype solutions on target hardware; create detailed technical specifications.

• Collaborate with local and global teams to deliver scalable, high-performance systems.

• Act as a technical lead: mentor engineers, review designs, and guide project progress.

• Support field teams during deployments and troubleshooting.

• Bachelor's degree in electrical/computer engineering.

• 10+ years in embedded software engineering (telecom, networking, datacom, or related).

• 5+ years programming in C, C++, embedded C, with strong debugging tools (e.g. GDB, Valgrind).

• Hands-on experience with FPGA/ASIC integration, device bring-up, and SoC platforms.

• Knowledge of CPU architectures, hardware specifications, and timing diagrams.

• Experience with Linux kernel and user-space drivers.

• Strong foundation in embedded systems concepts: interrupts, synchronization, inter-process communication.

• Familiarity with telecom and networking protocols: DWDM, OTN, Ethernet, TCP/IP.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical collaboration.

• Experience designing large-scale distributed embedded systems using micro service architectures.

• Knowledge of telecom standards such as G.709, IEEE 802.3.

• Familiarity with data modelling (YANG).

• Experience with development tools:
  Git, Eclipse, JIRA, Confluence, or Yocto.

The salary range for this role is $107,800 - $172,200. Pay ranges at Ciena reflect variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations. The pay range information pertains to the primary location listed.

Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans; participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching;
Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP);
Employee Assistance Program (EAP); company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

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At Ciena, we are committed to building an environment where our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. We value diversity and 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.