Technical Solution Engineer (Intern), SEI

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 4 months starting in January 2027.

Join the Solutions Engineering & Introduction (SE&I) team within the Product Line Management (PLM) organization for a 4-month work term supporting Ciena’s Optical Systems portfolio. The role focuses on prototyping and developing full-stack and agentic AI solutions that connect AI models and agents with APIs, data sources, engineering tools, and network systems. The work applies software development, generative AI, automation, and tool integration to engineering challenges, with exposure to AIOps and network automation, to explore ways to streamline product certification, increase engineering productivity, and accelerate product introduction and customer adoption.

How you will make an impact:

• Participate actively in Agile meetings, including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and backlog refinement.
• Collaborate with developers and test users to understand business requirements and technical objectives.
• Create proof-of-concept solutions, including diagrams and workflow charts, to validate new features and approaches.
• Create and maintain technical documentation that clearly communicates code changes, design decisions, and resulting impacts across the application and integrated systems.
• Leverage AI-assisted development tools, such as GitHub Copilot, to improve productivity while maintaining code quality, reliability, and security standards.
• Develop and execute unit, integration, and E2E tests to ensure software quality and application stability.
• Research emerging technologies and AI tools to help the team be more effective.

The must haves:

• Education: Actively enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline,
• Full-stack development: Python frameworks (Flask), React, etc.
• Systems, Cloud & Infrastructure: Linux, Docker, Cloud environment (Azure, AWS, etc.).
• Coding methodology: with and without AI assistance (e.g. GitHub Copilot).
• Networking & Interfaces: TCP/IP, TCP/UDP, Ethernet, OSI Model, DNS, REST, SSH, CLI.
• Development & DevOps: Git, CI/CD, Agile development.
• AI/ML & Data: MCP, RAG, Vector Retrieval.

Nice to haves:

• Understanding of automation, API/tool integration, and AI/agentic concepts; familiarity with AIOps, observability, or DevOps principles is an asset.
• Organized and meticulous team player with English communication skills (verbal and written).
• Presentation skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment, appropriately prioritize tasks, and keep abreast of the latest technology.
• Capability to work with people in different time zones and cultures.
• Ability to reside in the greater metropolitan area of Ottawa, Canada, or frequently travel to Ottawa by car for periods varying from a few days to a few weeks at a time, as the role requires extensive work in a lab or with colleagues in person.

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.