Ciena

Electronic Reliability Engineer Co-op (Winter 2027)

In short

This is a 4-month co-op position (starting January 2027) in electronic reliability engineering at a telecommunications infrastructure company, based onsite in Ottawa 3–4 days per week. The role involves lab testing of electronic components and PCBAs, accelerated life and corrosion studies, data analysis, and building AI/RAG-based knowledge repositories. It requires active enrollment in a Physics, Electrical Engineering, Reliability Engineering or related degree program, plus skills in Excel, Excel VBA, Python, LLM/AI-RAG frameworks, basic electronics, and lab instrumentation like DVMs.

About the Role
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.
The Opportunity: 4-month work term, starting in January 2027.
Step into reliability engineering and contribute to evaluating the durability, performance, and lifespan of electronic components and circuit boards used in telecommunications technologies. The role combines hands-on laboratory testing, data analysis, and knowledge management using Excel, Python, and AI/RAG technologies.
How you will make an impact
•Investigate the durability and performance of discrete components and PCBAs through accelerated life testing and corrosion studies designed for harsh operating environments.
•Design and set up test circuits while monitoring critical electrical parameters and component behavior.
•Analyze the lifespan and reliability of electronic components on complex circuit boards using data-driven methodologies and Excel-based tools.
•Transform reliability data into accessible, searchable knowledge repositories using Excel, Python, and AI/RAG technologies.
•Gain hands-on experience in a collaborative lab environment, with onsite work at Ciena's Ottawa campus required 3–4 days per week.
The must haves
•Education: Actively enrolled in a degree program in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Reliability Engineering, or a related discipline.
•Strong working knowledge of Excel, Excel VBA, and Python.
•Knowledge of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI/RAG frameworks.
•Understanding of basic electronic circuits and electronic components.
•Experience using digital voltmeters (DVMs) and common laboratory instrumentation.
•Self-motivated, curious, and eager to learn.
•Strong communication and interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset and passion for solving technical challenges.
Nice to haves
•Programming experience with JavaScript, Node.js, Git, Arduino controllers.
•Experience optimizing AI model performance, token consumption, and cost efficiency.
•Soldering experience.
•Understand electrical schematics.
Pay Range
The hourly pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00.
Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting Ciena's diverse products, industries, and lines of business. 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.

Stop applying.
Get referred.

$10 in free credits

In just 60 seconds, fully on autopilot — Eraldt's AI agents read your CV, map the roles you fit, find live vacancies and the people who can refer you, write personal emails, and get you referred.

This isn't an application: your CV doesn't go to the company, and we don't promise a referral for this exact role.

Discover who else lands interviews on autopilot