System Software Engineer

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

Lumentum Canada was awarded the 2022 National Capital Region’s Top Employers and the 2022 Career Directory Canada’s Best Employers for Recent Graduates .

Position Title: System Software Engineer

Employment Type: Full-time, Existing vacancy

Location: Ottawa ON, Onsite

About Lumentum

At Lumentum, we’re building the tech behind the world’s fastest networks and most advanced systems. Our optical and photonic solutions power everything from AI and cloud computing to data centers, telecom, and advanced manufacturing.

We’re a global team of innovators working where light meets technology, solving big challenges that keep the world connected and moving forward. If shaping the future of connectivity excites you, you’ll fit right in.

Why You’ll Love This Role

Lumentum is building next-generation optical switch platforms and is seeking a Staff Systems Software Engineer to lead the build, release and long-term maintenance of SONiC software used in production systems.

This is a high-impact role with end-to-end ownership of SONiC releases that ship on Lumentum optical switch products. You will work closely with optical hardware, firmware, systems, manufacturing and product teams to ensure SONiC software is stable, scalable and production-ready across multiple hardware generations.

This role is an excellent opportunity for Senior Build, Release or Maintenance Engineers who want to grow into broader system ownership and platform leadership.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own the build, release and lifecycle maintenance of SONiC software for Lumentum optical switch platforms.
• Define and drive production-quality SONiC releases, ensuring stability, scalability and repeatability across hardware generations.
• Lead investigation and resolution of complex system-level issues spanning SONiC, Linux, platform software, device drivers, firmware and optical hardware.
• Provide technical leadership for platform bring-up, system integration and production readiness of new optical switch products.
• Define, improve and scale build, release and regression validation frameworks.
• Track upstream SONiC development and manage patches, upgrades and long-term support strategies.
• Partner closely with hardware, firmware, manufacturing and product teams to align software readiness with business milestones.
• Act as a technical authority for SONiC production software, influencing architecture, design decisions and best practices.
• Mentor engineers, lead design reviews and drive technical alignment across teams.
• Produce and maintain clear technical documentation, release notes and operational guidance.

What We’re Looking For

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

Experience:

• Deep experience in embedded Linux or systems software engineering.
• Proven experience building, releasing and maintaining SONiC or other network operating systems in production environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with SONiC Docker containers, service orchestration and containerized workflows.
• Experience with Debian-based build systems, package creation and dependency management.
• Strong understanding of systemd services, startup sequencing and service lifecycle management.
• Advanced Linux expertise with strong scripting skills in Python and/or Bash.
• Demonstrated ability to debug high-impact, cross-layer system issues involving software and hardware.
• Experience operating in production-focused, high-reliability environments.
• Strong technical communication skills and the ability to lead cross-functional discussions.

Asset/Nice to Have

• Deep familiarity with SONiC build internals, including docker-based build flows and image generation.
• Experience supporting multiple hardware platforms and long-lived maintenance releases.
• Contributions to open-source networking projects, including SONiC.

Who Should Apply

Senior Build, Release or Maintenance Engineers with strong Linux experience working with Docker, Debian packaging, and systemd who are ready to take full ownership of production systems and make a broader impact across software and hardware platforms.

Why Join Lumentum

At Lumentum, you will own software that ships on real optical switch products, influence platform readiness and system architecture, and help define the future of programmable optical networking. This role offers technical leadership, real ownership, and visible product impact.

Perks You’ll Love

• Flexible time off
• Health and wellness benefits (physical and mental)
• Tuition reimbursement and career growth support
• A workplace built for you: free gym, games room, prayer room
• Subsidized meals, free coffee/tea
• Employee stock options and incentive plans
• A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture

Salary Range
The salary range for this position is $110,625 - $149,675 CAD (Flexible).

Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications. In line with our commitment to being a great place to work, Lumentum offers competitive total rewards which may include annual bonus, equity, and comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

Join a Team That’s Shaping the Future

At Lumentum, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a launchpad for creativity and innovation. We’re committed to celebrating your unique talents and helping you grow. Our guiding principles—Innovate, Engage, Deliver, Excel, and Win—aren’t just words; they’re the heart of what we do.

Let’s Build a Brighter Future Together!

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Your uniqueness makes us stronger, sparks creativity, and drives our success.

Join us—your future starts here!