Data Architect

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 104,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in high-speed connectivity is seeking a Data Architect to join their Digital Asset Management team in Ottawa, Canada. The role involves designing data architectures, collaborating with IT and data teams, and ensuring data governance. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in data architecture and proficiency with cloud platforms. Competitive salary range is CAD 104,000 - 166,100.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

401(K) with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Paid sick leave and vacation time

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in data architecture, database design, or enterprise information management.
• 3+ years in data stewardship, governance, or business intelligence roles.
• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms and data services.

Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing scalable, secure, and efficient data architectures.
• Collaborating with IT teams for seamless data system integration.
• Establishing data governance policies for integrity and compliance.

Skills

7+ years of professional experience in data architecture

Proficiency with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP)

Strong knowledge of data structures

Excellent statistical, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Experience with SQL and relational database design principles

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Physics

Tools

Cloud-native data services

Data lakes

Databricks

Spark

Kubernetes

Job description

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.

How You Will Contribute

Join Ciena as a Data Architect, a pivotal role within our Digital Asset Management team. This position focuses on researching, developing, testing, and deploying data pipelines, curating and optimizing data for our internal data lake and Ciena's AI and ML applications. Collaborating with data scientists, backend developers, and frontend developers, you will drive AI integration across our portfolio. Key contributions include:

• Designing and implementing scalable, secure, and efficient data architectures aligned with business objectives and technical requirements.
• Developing and maintaining conceptual, logical, and physical data models to support organizational needs.
• Collaborating with IT teams, solution architects, ETL developers, and database administrators for seamless data system integration.
• Evaluating and selecting appropriate data storage and management technologies, including relational databases, NoSQL systems, and data lakes.
• Establishing and enforcing data governance policies to ensure data integrity, security, and compliance.
• Defining metadata management practices for consistent documentation and lineage tracking.
• Monitoring data usage, ensuring regulatory compliance, and resolving data quality issues.

The Must Haves

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (preferred) in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Physics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in data architecture, database design, or enterprise information management.
• 3+ years in data stewardship, governance, or business intelligence roles.
• Proven expertise in designing enterprise data models and implementing data quality frameworks.
• Proficiency with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP) and cloud-native data services.
• Experience building tools leveraging LLMs and deploying machine learning models.
• Strong knowledge of data structures, data modeling, and software architecture.
• Excellent statistical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a passion for innovation.

Nice to Haves

• Strong knowledge of SQL and relational database design principles.
• Familiarity with master data management systems and data catalog tools (Collibra, Alation, etc.).
• Experience with big data technologies (Databricks, Spark, Hadoop) and modern data architectures.
• Proficiency in programming languages and architecting web-based applications using Scala or Java and REST APIs.
• Knowledge of Kubernetes, Docker, and Linux-based systems.
• Professional certifications related to data science or machine learning.
• Telecom networks experience (High-speed networking, LAN, WAN, Wireless), NOCs, TAC, OSS.

Pay Range

Canada: $104,000.00 - $166,100.00 CAD

USA: $141,700.00 - $226,300.00 USD

#LI-JD

Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that 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.

Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community to get relevant job alerts straight to your inbox.

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.