Software Engineering, Optical Transport and IP Networking Intern
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 21, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 14, 2026. Ciena Corporation scores B on the Alion truth index.
As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being-on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.
The Opportunity: Work term of 8 months starting in January 2027.
Ciena is seeking a university intern to gain practical experience across software engineering, optical transport telecommunications, and Layer 3/IP networking. This role provides exposure to lab-based engineering, automation, technical validation, and knowledge transfer activities supporting Ciena networking solutions. The opportunity is suited for students interested in applying academic learning within a telecommunications engineering environment.
How you will make an impact:
- Conduct lab engineering activities for optical transport, routing, switching, and software-based networking solutions.
- Perform software development, scripting, automation, testing, and troubleshooting in a lab environment.
- Configure, validate, and document network scenarios involving Layer 3/IP networking concepts.
- Execute test plans, collect results, analyze issues, and document findings.
- Contribute to technical documentation, training materials, demonstrations, and knowledge-transfer content.
- Learn and document how new product features and solution capabilities are introduced to Services teams, partners, and customers.
- Collaborate with global technical teams across software, optical networking, and IP networking initiatives.
The must haves:
- Education: Actively enrolled in a degree program in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field,
- Foundational software engineering skills, including experience with at least one programming or scripting language such as Python, C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Bash, or similar.
- Basic understanding of software development practices such as version control, debugging, testing, and documentation.
- Foundational understanding of Layer 3/IP networking concepts, including IP addressing, routing, switching, TCP/IP, and common network protocols.
- Interest in optical transport telecommunications, such as DWDM, OTN, coherent optics, photonic systems, or carrier networking technologies.
- Comfortable working in a lab environment with hardware, software, network elements, test tools, and engineering documentation.
- Ability to follow technical procedures, execute test plans, capture results, and document observations accurately.
Nice to haves:
- Experience with Python scripting, automation, REST APIs, Linux, Git, or similar development tools.
- Exposure to telecommunications or networking courses, labs, projects, or co-op experience.
- Familiarity with routing protocols such as OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, or MPLS concepts.
- Exposure to optical networking concepts such as fiber optics, wavelength division multiplexing, OTN, or coherent transmission.
- Experience creating technical documentation, lab notes, topology diagrams, or presentations.
- Interest in network automation, software-defined networking, cloud-based tools, or test automation.
Pay Range:
The hourly pay range for this position is $25.50 - $35.00
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.