Ciena

Experienced Photonic Card Software Developer

Ciena$79K — $127K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 8+ years of software development experience for Linux or RTOS, with a focus on embedded systems or telecom products.
  • Proficient in C and Python programming.

Responsibilities

  • Design photonic card software for optical network products.
  • Implement software components in embedded Linux or RTOS environments.
  • Integrate software with hardware and vendor components.
  • Maintain and enhance existing software across product lifecycles.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders on product delivery.
  • Contribute to new optical networking product development and introduction.
  • Participate in lifecycle management and design activities.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation time.
  • Compliance with laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.
Full Job Description
Ciena is advancing optical networking innovation through high-performance photonic card software enabling next-generation communication systems. This role contributes to the design and delivery of software that powers flagship optical platforms and supports lifecycle evolution. The position plays a key role in integrating hardware and software to deliver scalable, reliable networking solutions.

How you will make an impact:
  • Design photonic card software for optical network products
  • Implement software components for embedded Linux or RTOS environments
  • Integrate software with hardware and vendor-supplied components
  • Maintain and enhance existing software across product lifecycle phases
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders on product delivery
  • Contribute to development and introduction of new optical networking products
  • Participate in lifecycle management and design activities

The Must Haves:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or similar disciplines
  • Experience: 8+ years of experience developing software for Linux or RTOS targets, including embedded systems or telecom products
  • Application of C and Python programming

Nice to Haves:
  • Application of CPU hardware architectures, hardware functional specifications, hardware timing diagrams, and device data sheets
  • Development of software operating close to hardware interfaces
  • Application of data-driven architectures including YANG, REST, JSON, and XML
  • Work within Linux development environments
  • Use of AI tools to improve software quality and development efficiency
  • Use of software development tools including git, BitBucket, Gerrit, and Jira
  • Application of unit test frameworks such as Google Test, JUnit, Robot, and PyTest
Pay Range:
The salary range for this role is $79, 800 - $127, 600


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.

About Ciena

Ciena Corporation is a global supplier of telecommunications networking equipment, software, and services. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Hanover, Maryland. Ciena's products include optical transport and switching systems, software, and services that support the transport, switching, aggregation, and management of voice, video, and data traffic. Ciena serves customers in the telecommunications industry, including telecommunications service providers, cable operators, governments, and enterprises. The company has approximately 7,000 employees worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries.
Learn more about Ciena
Size
7,241 employees
Market Cap
$7.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$354.3 million
Founded
1992
5 Year Trend
+5.3%
Revenue
$3.4 billion
NASDAQ

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