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Optical Engineer Co-Op (May 2026 - 12-16 months)
internshipOttawa$0k - $0k

Summary

Location

Ottawa

Salary

$0k - $0k (CAD)

Type

internship

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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.

The Opportunity

12-16 month internship/co-op beginning May 2026


Ciena Canada ULC is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Optical Engineer Co-Op for a 12-16 month term. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the cutting-edge field of optical networking, contributing to the design, development, and testing of advanced optical systems and components.

How You Will Contribute

As an Optical Engineer Co-Op, you will be involved in various aspects of optical engineering, including but not limited to:

  • Pushing the boundaries of automation, speed, data processing and data visualization of an optical modeler using Python, and/or MATLAB.
  • Playing a role in developing, improving, testing, and maintaining, various aspects of the optical modeler such as: creating databases, developing automated test cases, fixing bugs and improving existing functionality.
  • Using the optical network simulator to study the performance of various optical network configurations.
  • Code-collaborate with a multi-functional team of designers and perform version control using Git.



The Must Haves

  • Working towards completion of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in Physics, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or other similar languages, with experience databases and in libraries such as PyTorch (or similar).
  • Exposure to Linux development environments.
  • Foundational knowledge of physics, optics, and communications theory.
  • Experience with development tools such as content versioning (e.g. Git) and bug tracking software (e.g. Jira).
  • Interest in big data science and its applications.

Pay Range

The hourly pay range for this position is $25.00 - $34.00

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community to get relevant job alerts straight to your inbox.

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.

Other facts

Tech stack
Python,MATLAB,Optical Engineering,Data Processing,Data Visualization,Automation,Database Management,Optical Networking,Linux,Physics,Optics,Communications Theory,Git,Bug Tracking,Big Data Science

About Ciena

Ciena (NYSE:CIEN) is the global leader in high-speed connectivity. We build adaptive networks to support exponential growth in bandwidth demand—empowering our customers, partners, and communities to thrive in the AI era. With unparalleled expertise and innovation, our networking systems, interconnects, automation software, and services revolutionize data transmission and network management.

Team size: 5,001-10,000 employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Telecommunications
Founding Year: 1992

What you'll do

  • As an Optical Engineer Co-Op, you will contribute to the design, development, and testing of advanced optical systems and components. You will work on automation, data processing, and visualization using Python and MATLAB.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ciena pay for a Optical Engineer Co-Op (May 2026 - 12-16 months)?

Ciena offers a competitive compensation package for the Optical Engineer Co-Op (May 2026 - 12-16 months) role. The salary range is CAD 0k - 0k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.

What does a Optical Engineer Co-Op (May 2026 - 12-16 months) do at Ciena?

As a Optical Engineer Co-Op (May 2026 - 12-16 months) at Ciena, you will: as an Optical Engineer Co-Op, you will contribute to the design, development, and testing of advanced optical systems and components. You will work on automation, data processing, and visualization using Python and MATLAB..

Why join Ciena as a Optical Engineer Co-Op (May 2026 - 12-16 months)?

Ciena is a leading Telecommunications company. The Optical Engineer Co-Op (May 2026 - 12-16 months) role offers competitive compensation.

Is the Optical Engineer Co-Op (May 2026 - 12-16 months) position at Ciena remote?

The Optical Engineer Co-Op (May 2026 - 12-16 months) position at Ciena is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Optical Engineer Co-Op (May 2026 - 12-16 months) position at Ciena?

You can apply for the Optical Engineer Co-Op (May 2026 - 12-16 months) position at Ciena directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Ciena on their website.