> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2719173-platform-software-developer-2026-new-grads](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2719173-platform-software-developer-2026-new-grads). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Platform Software Developer - 2026 New Grads - **Company:** Ciena - **Location:** Atlanta, GA, United States - **Salary:** $69,900.0 - $111,700.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Bash Shell, Computer Programming, Computer Engineering, Data Structures, Software Debugging, Linux, Distributed Systems, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Python (Programming Language), Network Control, Network Protocols, Object-Oriented Software Development, Systems Development Life Cycle, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Tools, Software Engineering, Product Software Implementation Methods, Software Requirements Analysis, System Software, TCP/IP, Multithreading, Scripting, Information Technology, Build Tools, Software Version Control - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://ciena.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/job/Atlanta/Platform-Software-Developer---2026-New-Grads_R031084-1 ## About the Role Ciena is seeking highly motivated new graduates to contribute to the platform software that powers its optical networking systems. This role plays a key part in building reliable, high-performance embedded software that enables scalable and secure global communications. The position offers exposure to complex systems development within a collaborative engineering environment., * Education: Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering OR Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, graduating in 2026. * Experience: Application of C and C++ programming in academic or project-based software development. * Background in embedded systems development, including interaction with real-time operating systems and multi-threaded execution models. * Application of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design principles in software implementations. * Utilization of Linux-based development environments, including scripting with languages such as Python or Bash. * Use of software development tools including debuggers, version control systems, and automated build tools. * Demonstrated analytical, debugging, and problem-solving capabilities in a team-oriented development setting., * Exposure to networking protocols and concepts such as TCP/IP and Ethernet. * Background working with control plane or data plane software components. * Familiarity with distributed system behaviors in embedded or networking contexts. ## Description * Design, implement, and debug high-performance software for real-time embedded systems used in optical networking platforms. * Collaborate with hardware, quality assurance, and system engineering teams to define software requirements and interfaces. * Develop and maintain software components spanning operating systems, drivers, control plane, and data plane functionality. * Troubleshoot and resolve complex software issues in multi-threaded and distributed environments. * Apply industry trends and emerging technologies to embedded systems and networking challenges. ## Related Videos - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [An Applied Introduction to eBPF with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1075-an-applied-introduction-to-ebpf-with-go) - [How Cisco embraced a DevOps culture within its network engineering team](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/99-how-cisco-embraced-a-devops-culture-within-its-network-engineering-team) - [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish) - [Turning Container security up to 11 with Capabilities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/718-turning-container-security-up-to-11-with-capabilities) - [The best of two worlds - Bringing enterprise-grade Linux to the vehicle](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/67-the-best-of-two-worlds-bringing-enterprise-grade-linux-to-the-vehicle) ## Related Articles - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)