Software Engineering Intern (3-12 Months)

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.

The Opportunity

3-12 month internship starting June 2027

Since 1992, Ciena has been driven by a relentless pursuit of network innovation. We believe in a network that grows smarter, more agile, and more responsive every day. This means that when you digitally interact in your world - picking up the phone, streaming video, texting a friend or loved one – your interactions are being enabled by Ciena technologies.  Ciena makes your social/entertainment/business existence REAL. 

Ciena is seeking early in career Software Engineers to work with our engineering team and help drive the development of the Service-Aware Operating System (SAOS), in order to support our customers in developing and deploying their virtualized networks.

How You Will Contribute

• Develop embedded software on the Ciena NOS, which is a modified Linux operating system

• Participate in all stages of software development - requirements analysis, architect and high-level design, implementation and testing

• Troubleshoot software issues, provide customer and verification support

• Design and develop unit tests and test-automation suites

• Engage with Product Owners and System Architects to evolve software applications adopting new features and technologies without compromising performance

• Influence the software architecture, improve resiliency, debuggability and maintainability

The Must Haves

• Excellent analytical, problem solving and programming skills (C, C++, Python)

• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills

• Excellent organization skills to manage time, resources, and priorities

• Familiarity with Linux development environment

• Independent self-starter and capable of effectively managing priorities to achieve business objectives

• Comfortable in a team environment while still taking accountability and working independently as needed

The Nice to Haves

• Knowledge of network routers/switches or routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, etc.)

• Experience in open-source software development or usage of Linux OS (ideally Debian), containers and Kubernetes

• Experience with automated test frameworks such as Jenkins

• Experience with design and development tools such as Atlassian (Bitbucket, Confluence, Jira), Eclipse, GDB, etc.

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.