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Ciena

Waveserver Software Developer Co-op (Fall 2026)

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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:

As a Waveserver Software Developer Co-op, this role contributes to the development of optical network solutions within a collaborative engineering environment. The position supports the delivery of software that is integral to network performance and innovation. The role also enables the application of technical knowledge to solve complex software challenges.

How you will make an impact:

  • Design, develop, test, deploy, maintain, and improve software

  • Manage individual project priorities, assignments, and timelines

  • Participate in the full software development lifecycle

  • Collaborate with multi-functional teams including developers, UX designers, quality assurance teams, and release managers

  • Contribute to projects that support optical network solutions

  • Apply technical knowledge to solve software development challenges

The must haves:

  • Education: Actively enrolled in a degree program in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science or a related field,

  • Demonstrated ability to develop with one or more of the following programming languages - C, C++ or Python

  • Experience working with Linux-based developer tools and debugging environment such as GNU, GCC, GDB, Insight

  • Knowledge of development tools such as Git, JIRA, Yocto, Docker, Bitbucket

  • Familiarity with CI frameworks such as Jenkins, Grafana, Kubernetes

Nice to haves:

  • A passion for or experience developing software embedded solutions engineered for performance and reliability on multi-processor, highly concurrent systems

Pay Range:

The pay range for this position is $25.00-32.00 per hour

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.