Senior Software Engineer - Embedded Software (Security)

Ciena • Atlanta, GA

64d

About The Position

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 Ciena 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. Join Ciena, a global leader in networking systems, services, and software, as a Senior Software Engineer. Be part of a team that's transforming the way the world communicates by building secure, resilient, and cutting-edge embedded software for our optical and routing platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5-7+ years of experience in C/C++ and a proficiency with a scripting language like Python.
• Strong hands-on experience with software security principles and practices. This includes:
• Knowledge of secure communication protocols (SSH, TLS).
• Experience with AAA and remote management mechanisms (TACACS+, RADIUS).
• Understanding of cryptographic algorithms and concepts (encryption, PKIX, hashing).
• Demonstrated experience analyzing and remediating software vulnerabilities and proficiency with software debugging tools.
• Expertise with modern version control systems, particularly Git.
• An openness to learning and expanding your knowledge and expertise, especially in the area of security.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with embedded Linux development, including the kernel and the Yocto Project.
• Knowledge of Agile software development methodologies and best practices.
• A commitment to writing clean, high-quality, test-driven code and experience with automated testing frameworks.
• Demonstrated expertise with integrating security scanning and testing into automated CI/CD workflows.
• Familiarity with micro-services architecture and delivering reusable code that targets a variety of platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test new security features in C and C++ for our complex embedded systems.
• Investigate, debug, and resolve challenging software defects, directly improving the stability, performance, and reliability of our products for our global customers.
• Proactively identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities.
• Engage in the full software development lifecycle—from secure design and threat modeling to robust testing, documentation, and final delivery.
• Develop powerful scripts, test utilities, and automation tools that streamline our development processes and integrate security into our CI/CD pipelines.
• Work in a dynamic, cross-functional environment, collaborating closely with software developers, system architects, and verification engineers to deliver seamless, large-scale software releases.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees