Electrical/Optical Test and Automation Engineer Co-op (8 month – May 2026)

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:

8-month co-op term preferred: May 2026 – December 2026

How You Will Contribute:

The co-op student will assist in the development of electrical and optical product test and calibration algorithms and then implement the solutions with software in production test stations. The algorithms and test software are developed for products such as Wavelogic 6 Extreme, Reconfigurable Line Systems, and DCOM. The successful candidate will use a variety of tools and software to interface with the products as well as test and calibration instrumentation and infrastructure. The student will have the opportunity to be involved in the test and calibration development process from early stages of hardware development in the Ciena labs right to mass production of the Ciena products at Contract Manufacturers.

Design:

• Implement software sequences and algorithms for testing Ciena product electrical PCBs
• Execute test sequences on initial prototypes to understand correct operation of prototypes
• Work with the Ciena R&D community to understand design requirements, specifications and test parameters
• Document test procedures for internal and external use

Analysis:

• Use internal Data and Analytics tools to understand test parameters and test limits
• Provide feedback regarding circuit operation and target specifications
• Make automated test adjustments based on all analysis

The Must Haves:

Software Skills:

• Coding in C#, C, Python and Matlab
• Understanding of Linux and Linux tool development
• Scripting with various command-line interpreters (Linux and Windows based)

Hardware Skills:

• Reading and understanding schematics
• Understanding and implementing data protocols such as I2C, SPI, MDIO, 1-wire, SGMII, and PCIE
• Detailed understanding of analog and digital circuits
• Probing and debugging PCBs in the lab
• Understanding of lab equipment (DMMs, SMUs, Oscilloscopes, Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers)
• In-circuit device programming using C2 interface, PMBUS, UART, etc.

General skills:

• Strong communication skills
• Engage in detailed problem solving
• Strength in explaining test solutions and instructions
• Lab and office work

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.

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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.

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