Senior Software Engineer - Embedded Software (Optical Networking)

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We're a technology company that leads with our humanity-driving our 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 WaveLogic 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.
How You Will Contribute:

• 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.

The Must Haves:

• 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.

Nice to Have:

• 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.

Pay Range:
The salary range for this role is $107,800 - $172,200
Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available.
Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, 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 also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.
At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We 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.