Software Engineer 8 month Co-op - Fall/Winter 2026

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.

How You Will Contribute

• Contribute to the design, development, and testing of data-driven microservices.
• Build and enhance features for the React-based web front-end, serving as the primary interface for backend services.
• Design, implement, and maintain a suite of automated tests, applying Test-Driven Development (TDD) principles to ensure service reliability.
• Participate in team meetings, code reviews, and design discussions, contributing ideas to improve service isolation and overall framework functionality.

The Must Haves

• Enrollment in a degree program for Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Programming experience in C or Python.
• Solid understanding of software development fundamentals, including data structures and algorithms.
• Interest in exploring both front-end development and backend automation.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

Nice to Haves

• Familiarity with React for front-end development.
• Exposure to automated testing concepts and Test-Driven Development (TDD).
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and tools like Jenkins.
• Experience with Linux environments, including Yocto.

Pay Range: The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $34.00

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.

In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers students access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation pay as required by applicable laws.

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.