Ciena
Delivers adaptive optical networking services
NPI Hardware Co-op - 8 month
About the job
- Coding in C#, C, Python, and Matlab.
- Understanding of Linux and Linux tool development.
- Scripting with various command-line interpreters based on Linux and Windows.
- Reading and understanding schematics.
- Understanding and implementing data protocols such as I2C, I3C, SPI, MDIO, 1-wire, SGMII, and PCIE.
- Detailed understanding of analog and digital circuits.
- Probing and debugging printed circuit boards in the lab.
- Understanding of lab equipment including digital multimeters, source measure units, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers.
- In-circuit device programming using C2 interface, PMBUS, UART, and similar interfaces.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to engage in detailed problem solving.
- Strength in explaining test solutions and instructions.
- Implement software sequences and algorithms for testing electrical printed circuit boards.
- Execute test sequences on initial prototypes to understand their correct operation.
- Aid in the design and development of test hardware solutions, including printed circuit board design.
- Work with the Ciena research and development community to understand design requirements, specifications, and test parameters.
- Document test procedures for internal and external use.
- 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 analysis.
About the company
Ciena designs and sells optical and routing hardware, automation software, and professional services to build adaptive networks for telecom providers, cable operators, governments, and enterprises. Its systems combine physical networking gear with software that automates traffic routing and resource management so networks can adjust in real time to changing demand. It differentiates itself by offering an end-to-end solution—hardware, software, and services—plus a large global customer base and close collaboration with customers and partners. Its goal is to enable richer, more connected experiences by helping customers deploy flexible, scalable networks that meet evolving digital needs.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Linthicum, Maryland
Founded
1992
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Q3 fiscal 2026 revenue rose 37% to $1.67 billion, with 22.5% operating margin.
- Backlog hit $8.5 billion in September 2026 and should exceed $10 billion.
- Fiscal 2029 targets call for 30% CAGR, 50% gross margin, 35% operating margin.
What critics are saying
- Two customers generated 41.7% of Q3 revenue, concentrating hyperscaler spending power.
- Supply shortages last until 2028, so backlog conversion depends on component delivery.
- When pricing power fades after 2028, Ciena's AI boom narrative loses its margin engine.
What makes Ciena unique
- Ciena is the only pure-play optical systems and interconnects provider.
- Long-term supply agreements through 2029 support shipments while competitors face shortages.
- Ciena Ventures adds a $200 million adjacent-market scouting engine for AI networking.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Company Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Vacation Time
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 0%1 year growth
↑ 0%2 year growth
↑ 0%Ciena has set a revenue target of approximately $14 billion by fiscal 2029, driven by sustained demand for optical systems that continues to outpace industry supply. The company also aims for gross margins of about 50% and operating margins of 32% to 35%. Chief financial officer Marc Graff said orders doubled from 2024 to 2025 and are expected to increase by at least 50% in 2026. Ciena anticipates its backlog will reach $10 billion by the end of fiscal 2026. The company expects industry supply and demand to remain imbalanced until 2028. For fiscal 2027, Ciena projects orders to grow by at least 50% and has secured sufficient supply to support at least 30% revenue growth.
Ciena trades near $334, down from its 52-week high, but still up over 150% year-on-year. The AI networking supplier expects price increases of high single digits to low twenties across product lines, with some increases applying to existing backlog orders. Management projects fiscal 2027 adjusted operating margins of 25% to 27%, calling it record profitability. The company forecasts fiscal 2027 revenue of at least $8.3 billion, representing minimum 30% year-on-year growth. Ciena expects to end fiscal 2026 with over $10 billion in backlog. The price increases come during a component shortage that management doesn't expect to resolve until 2028. About half of Ciena's business now comes from hyperscalers directly. The key risk is whether pricing power holds once supply constraints ease, making adjusted operating margin the critical metric to watch as repriced backlog converts to revenue.
Ciena has launched Ciena Ventures, a corporate venture capital fund with an initial commitment of $200 million to invest in early-stage companies developing AI-era networking and connectivity technologies. The programme will complement Ciena's existing research and development efforts and strategic acquisitions. Led by Loai Louis, Vice President of Corporate Development, the fund will focus on technologies that advance networking infrastructure, accelerate next-generation data centre architectures, enable innovations in optical networking, and expand opportunities in adjacent areas such as computing and materials. David Rothenstein, Ciena's Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, said the initiative provides another vehicle for executing the company's long-term strategy. The fund aims to accelerate development of transformative solutions, strengthen the innovation ecosystem, and help Ciena expand its portfolio and pursue opportunities in adjacent markets. This represents Ciena's first company-wide corporate venture capital initiative.
Ciena Corporation reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue of $1.67 billion, up 37% year over year, with adjusted earnings per share more than tripling to $2.11. The networking equipment maker's order backlog reached $8.5 billion, growing $800 million in the quarter. The company projects backlog will exceed $10 billion by fiscal year-end, driven by hyperscale customers building AI infrastructure. Optical networking revenue rose 46% to $1.19 billion, whilst cloud provider revenue grew over 80%. Adjusted gross margin hit a record 46.4% and operating margin reached 22.5%. Management guides fiscal 2027 revenue to at least $8.3 billion with operating margin as high as 27%. Ciena signed long-term component agreements through 2029 to secure supply. Two customers accounted for 41.7% of revenue, presenting concentration risk.
Ciena and Arista Networks both bet on AI-driven network traffic growth, but their financial profiles differ sharply. Ciena raised its fiscal 2026 revenue outlook to $6.42 billion, backed by an $8.5 billion backlog expected to exceed $10 billion by fiscal year-end. Arista lifted its 2026 revenue outlook to $12.6 billion for the third time, citing improved supply. However, Ciena trades at 95.5 times EBIT versus Arista's 51.6 times, despite Arista's superior 43.1% operating margin compared to Ciena's 11.2%. Arista grew revenue 32.6% over twelve months to $10.54 billion, with a 38.4% net margin. Ciena's three-year average growth stands at 12.1% with a 7.9% net margin. Ciena targets a 25% to 27% adjusted operating margin for fiscal 2027. Both companies cite supply constraints lasting until 2028.