FEC Design Engineer ( PhD. - New Grad )

Ciena Canada, Inc.; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena Canada, Inc. is seeking a skilled optical engineer to join their WaveLogic science team. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in coding theory and digital signal processing to contribute to the design and development of next-generation high-speed optical communication systems. This role offers opportunities for innovation and growth while fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Unlimited paid time off

Remote work flexibility

Professional development resources

Community volunteer programs

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.
• Experience in coding theory, statistics, digital communications.
• Familiarity with FEC types (e.g., LDPC, RS, BCH) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create and analyze forward error correction designs.
• Work closely with the Modem Signal Processing Team.
• Analyze and solve problems within coding theory and signal processing.

Skills

Coding theory

Statistics

Digital Signal Processing

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

C

C++

Job description

Achieve your ideal career at the forefront of innovation with Ciena. We know the importance of life outside of work, which is why our employees enjoy unlimited paid time off and the freedom of working remotely. Ciena empowers our teams with competitive salaries and incentives, community volunteer programs, professional development resources, and support for our mental and physical health—all experienced within a diverse and inclusive culture. To put it simply, we’re a technology company driven by our humanity.

How You Will Contribute :

Ciena is a leading supplier of optical line and transmission equipment. Join a diverse science and engineering team that invents, designs, and verifies Ciena’s next coherent transceivers.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Optical Engineering, as a member of the WaveLogic science team, you will contribute through your ideation, design, modeling, and coding skills in communication theory, statistics, digital signal processing, forward error correction, optical physics, and optical transmission & performance measurements. We provide a learning environment that enables rapid progression to contributing team member.

Create and analyze forward error correction (FEC) designs for next-generation high-speed optical communication systems.

Work closely with the Modem Signal Processing Team on implementing digital algorithms in Ciena products.

General Activities

Analyze challenging problems within your areas of expertise, such as coding theory, statistics, signal processing, communications theory, control theory, high-speed algorithms, and optical physics.

Create innovative solutions that can be implemented in CMOS technology.

Learn new mathematical areas as needed.

No prior knowledge of optical physics? No problem – you can learn it here!

Experience

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with a background in coding theory, statistics, mathematics, and/or digital communications.

Familiarity with FEC types such as LDPC, algebraic codes (RS, BCH, RM), and Polar codes is a plus.

C and C++ programming experience is an asset.

Collaboration with Stakeholders

Interface and collaborate with DSP, hardware, firmware, electro-optic, systems, and measurement teams.

Provide feedback and suggestions on existing designs; contribute ideas to improve design procedures.

Share expertise and best practices with adjacent teams.

Areas of Impact

Key DSP technology enabling state-of-the-art coherent optical modems and DWDM systems.

Verified models and supporting measurements that predict modem performance and define specifications.

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At Ciena, we are committed to creating an environment where employees feel respected, valued, and heard. We value diversity and do not tolerate discrimination. Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Please inform us of any accommodation needs during the hiring process.