Hardware Engineering Co-op (Winter 2027)

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

4 month placement starting January 2027.

Join a hardware development team focused on power and interconnect technologies for Converged Packet Optical products. This role contributes to the design, implementation, and validation of optical and electrical interconnect and power hardware solutions. Collaboration across disciplines is key to delivering reliable hardware designs.

How you will make an impact:

• Define electrical and optical interconnect solutions and validate electrical, mechanical, optical, and performance characteristics.
• Recommend interconnect solutions and provide implementation guidance as part of a multi-functional team.
• Participate in the design of AC and DC power interface modules and cooling systems for platforms.
• Evaluate electrical interconnect solutions, including connectors, cables, and backplanes, for new hardware designs.
• Evaluate optical interconnect solutions, including connectors, adaptors, and patchcords, for new hardware designs.
• Perform application verification testing on power designs and interconnect solutions.
• Interface with suppliers to identify electrical power and electrical/optical interconnect solutions that meet system requirements.

The must haves:

• Education: Actively enrolled in a degree program in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience with lab test equipment and measurement techniques.
• Good communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.

Nice to haves:

• Understanding of high speed signaling, transmission lines, digital design, analog design, and power electronics.
• Experience with PCB schematic capture and layout tools.
• Familiarity with communication protocols (OTN, Ethernet, SONET, Fiber Channel).
• Previous co-op experience in a related field.

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.