Software Developer Intern - Fall 2026
About this role
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 make an impact:
- Contribute to coding assignments that enhance embedded platform and application software
- Create and execute tests to validate new capabilities
- Collaborate with team members following Agile development practices
- Participate in code reviews and apply feedback to improve software quality
- Troubleshoot and resolve software issues
- Learn and apply modern development workflows and tools
- Gain hands-on experience with real-time embedded systems
The must haves:
- Education: Actively enrolled in a degree program in Engineering or Computer Science,
- Foundational knowledge of coding concepts and programming structures
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies and tools
- Embrace AI tools and technologies at every step of the software design lifecycle.
Nice to haves:
- Exposure to programming or scripting languages such as C, C++, Python, Bash, or Java
- Familiarity with development tools including git, Bitbucket, Gerrit, or Jira
- Experience with unit test frameworks such as Google Test, JUnit, Robot, or PyTest
- Experience with using AI, GitHub Copilot, test case generation, and designing and implementing AI agents and workflows.
- Understanding of debugging tools such as gdb
- Interest in learning more about real-time and embedded software environments and automated testing.
Pay Range:
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.