Network Engineer Intern (12 Months)
Ciena · Germany
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $50,000 / year
- Germany
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Job highlights
- Gain hands-on AI and network engineering experience.
- Develop LLM capabilities for network automation.
- Support network design, configuration, and implementation.
- Collaborate with global engineering teams.
- Learn advanced optical, routing, and switching technologies.
About the role
Network Engineer Intern - 12 Months
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 the Role
As a Network Engineer Intern, this 12‑month opportunity offers hands‑on experience shaping AI‑enhanced network engineering workflows at Ciena. The role contributes to advancing best‑in‑class service delivery across EMEA by supporting the development of Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities and strengthening next‑generation network infrastructure that underpins Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads.
How You Will Make An Impact
- Contribute to the development and training of Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities using existing datasets and network engineering expertise.
- Support the evolution of network engineering workflows by integrating AI‑driven enhancements.
- Assist with network design, configuration, and implementation activities with a strong focus on DevOps practices.
- Participate in troubleshooting and performance analysis to help resolve real‑world network issues.
- Collaborate with Network Engineers, Project Managers, Systems Engineers, and Solution Architects across global teams.
- Document configurations, workflows, and updates to strengthen communication and knowledge sharing.
- Engage in ongoing learning through workshops, training sessions, and exposure to advanced optical, routing, and switching technologies.
The Must Haves
- Working toward a Bachelor’s degree in a business or technical program.
- Foundational knowledge of DevOps tools and practices, including Jira, GitHub, Python, Jinja, Ansible, and Linux.
- Solid understanding of programming principles, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and networking fundamentals.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in team environments.
- Strong sense of urgency, integrity, adaptability, and commitment to learning.
Nice To Haves
- Exposure to photonics, routing, switching, or network security technologies.
- Interest in developing AI‑enhanced automation for network engineering.
- Familiarity with service delivery environments within global technology organizations.
- Experience documenting technical processes or creating workflow diagrams.
- Interest in travel or collaboration with international teams.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
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.
Key skills/competency
- Network Engineering
- DevOps
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Large Language Models (LLM)
- Python
- Ansible
- Linux
- Troubleshooting
- Network Design
- Collaboration
Skills & topics
- Network Engineer Intern
- DevOps
- AI
- LLM
- Python
- Ansible
- Linux
- Networking
- Internship
- Ciena
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your Bachelor's degree progress, DevOps tools (Jira, GitHub, Python, Ansible, Linux), AI, and networking fundamentals.
- Showcase your skills: Emphasize your collaborative spirit, problem-solving abilities, and eagerness to learn in your application.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss programming principles, AI concepts, and basic networking fundamentals.
- Demonstrate team fit: Express your understanding of Ciena's people-first, flexible work environment and commitment to diversity.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What technical skills are essential for the Network Engineer Intern role at Ciena?
- For the Network Engineer Intern position at Ciena, essential technical skills include foundational knowledge of DevOps tools and practices such as Jira, GitHub, Python, Jinja, Ansible, and Linux. A solid understanding of programming principles, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and networking fundamentals is also a must-have.
- What kind of projects can I expect to work on as a Network Engineer Intern at Ciena?
- As a Network Engineer Intern at Ciena, you can expect to contribute to the development and training of Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities, support the integration of AI-driven enhancements into network engineering workflows, and assist with network design, configuration, and implementation using DevOps practices.
- Does Ciena offer opportunities for international collaboration for interns?
- Yes, Ciena values collaboration with international teams. As a Network Engineer Intern, you may have opportunities to collaborate with global teams and potentially engage in travel, as indicated in the 'Nice to Haves' section, which can provide valuable exposure to diverse work environments.
- What is the duration of the Network Engineer Intern position at Ciena?
- The Network Engineer Intern position at Ciena is a 12-month opportunity, providing an extended period for immersive learning and contribution to AI-enhanced network engineering projects.
- How does Ciena support employee growth and learning in this role?
- Ciena supports employee growth through a culture focused on individual development. Network Engineer Interns will engage in ongoing learning through workshops, training sessions, and exposure to advanced optical, routing, and switching technologies, alongside hands-on project experience.
- What is Ciena's stance on diversity and inclusion for interns?
- Ciena is committed to fostering an environment where employees feel respected, valued, and heard. They champion diversity and do not tolerate any form of discrimination, adhering to Equal Opportunity Employer standards, including for disability and protected veteran status.