Embedded Software Engineer

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.

About the Role

Ciena is looking for a Software Engineer to join the ONU firmware development team.

You will design, implement, and maintain firmware across the full software stack: from U-Boot bootloader and OpenWrt/prplOS kernel bring-up, through PON/OMCI protocol integration, Ethernet switching, and security (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot). You will collaborate closely with hardware engineers, systems architects, and field support to deliver production-quality firmware for a novel, high-reliability product.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and maintain embedded Linux firmware on OpenWrt based ONU systems.

- Implement and extend PON subsystem software: XGS-PON registration, OMCI agent, eOMCI, Active-Active coordination, and MIB synchronization.

- Integrate and configure the Ethernet switching subsystems on Ciena hardware, VLAN operations, port management, QoS (traffic classification, scheduling, shaping), and LACP.

- Develop U-Boot bootloader extensions, firmware upgrade flows, and firmware version management.

- Implement and maintain security features: TPM 2.0 integration, Secure Boot, OMCI-level PON encryption.

- Write and maintain OpenWrt package Makefiles, custom feeds, and build scripts.

- Develop and apply patches to the OpenWrt/prplOS base for platform-specific capabilities.

- Participate in code review, write unit and integration tests, and debug issues from lab bring-up through field deployment.

- Maintain technical documentation and component-level design notes.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

- 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in embedded software or firmware development.

- Proficient in C for embedded/systems programming; familiarity with C++ a plus.

- Hands-on experience with embedded Linux (kernel drivers, device trees, init systems, cross-compilation).

- Familiarity with OpenWrt or a comparable embedded Linux build system (Yocto, Buildroot).

- Working knowledge of networking fundamentals: Ethernet, VLANs, QoS, LACP, TCP/IP.

- Experience with bootloaders (U-Boot preferred) and firmware lifecycle management

- Comfortable using Git, Make, and Linux command-line toolchains.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with PON technologies (XGS-PON, GPON) and the OMCI protocol stack (ITU-T G.988).

- Familiarity with Marvell/Broadcom switching components or equivalent merchant silicon SDK for switching/routing ASICs.

- Experience integrating TPM 2.0 and/or Secure Boot in embedded platforms.

- Knowledge of NAND flash memory layouts, UBI/UBIFS, and MTD subsystems.

- Experience with inter-process communication mechanisms (ubus, Unix sockets, shared memory).

- Nice to have CAN bus experience.

About Ciena

Ciena is a networking systems, services, and software company focused on the transport of information across networks. We work with hyperscalers, telecom operators, and enterprises to enable the next generation of intelligent networking. The 3825 program is a key part of Ciena's Data Center Operations Management portfolio.

Ciena is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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.