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.
Ciena is seeking an engaged and high-energy Software Engineer to contribute to firmware development for Optical Network Unit (ONU) systems. This role is critical to delivering reliable, production-quality embedded software that supports next-generation intelligent networking solutions. The position enables direct impact on system performance, security, and scalability across the full firmware stack. This can be a remote role however preference is to find a candidate that lives within driving distances to one of our Ciena offices.
How you will make an impact:
- Design and maintain embedded Linux firmware for OpenWrt-based ONU systems
- Implement PON subsystem software including XGS-PON registration, OMCI agent functionality, eOMCI, Active-Active coordination, and MIB synchronization
- Integrate Ethernet switching subsystems, including VLAN operations, port management, QoS classification, scheduling, shaping, and LACP
- Develop U-Boot bootloader extensions, firmware upgrade flows, and version management mechanisms
- Implement platform security capabilities including TPM 2.0 integration, Secure Boot, and OMCI-level encryption
- Develop and maintain OpenWrt package Makefiles, custom feeds, and build systems
- Execute code reviews, testing, and debugging from lab bring-up through field deployment
The Must Haves:
- Education: Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science OR Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science
- 3+ years of experience in embedded software or firmware development
- Application of C programming for embedded or systems-level software; utilization of C++
- Application of embedded Linux including kernel drivers, device trees, init systems, and cross-compilation
- Utilization of OpenWrt or comparable embedded Linux build systems such as Yocto or Buildroot
- Application of networking fundamentals including Ethernet, VLANs, QoS, LACP, and TCP/IP
- Utilization of bootloaders including U-Boot and firmware lifecycle management processes
Nice to Haves:
- Application of PON technologies including XGS-PON and GPON, and OMCI protocol stack (ITU-T G.988)
- Utilization of Marvell or Broadcom switching components or equivalent merchant silicon SDKs
- Application of TPM 2.0 integration or Secure Boot implementation in embedded platforms
- Utilization of NAND flash memory layouts, UBI/UBIFS, and MTD subsystems
- Application of inter-process communication methods including ubus, Unix sockets, and shared memory
- Application of CAN bus technologies
Pay Range:
The salary range for this role in Canada is $84, 600 - $135, 200
The salary range for this role in the USA is $94, 500 - $150, 900
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.
