Hardware Characterization Engineer

Ciena; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 74,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a Hardware Characterization Engineer in Ottawa to validate hardware interfaces, automate test suites, and collaborate with design engineers on test plans and execution.

You will perform functional, performance, and stress testing, analyze results, and generate detailed reports while contributing to automation efforts to improve efficiency and product quality.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in hardware validation, characterization, or test automation.
• Solid understanding and proven application of object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts.
• Experience with automation software development for hardware testing. Proficient in C# and Python; experience with Java is an asset.
• Hands-on testing of laser-based telecommunication equipment, including configuration, performance, and reliability testing.
• Working knowledge of test equipment including oscilloscopes, DMMs, Ethernet and OTN traffic generators, and AC/DC transient test sets.
• Working knowledge of pluggable optical module types (OSFP, QSFP-DD, SFP).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Experience with Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), ATIS specs on transient/noise/jitter/wander.
• Experience leveraging AI and Generative AI tools to accelerate software development and testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans to validate hardware performance.
• Perform hardware testing, including functional, performance, and stress testing.
• Analyze test results, identify and troubleshoot issues.
• Provide updates on test progress and generate comprehensive test reports.
• Contribute to development and maintenance of automation test suite.
• Collaborate with design engineers to understand product test requirements.

Skills

OOP concepts

Test automation

C#

Python

Electrical/testing

Communication

Teamwork

Tools

Oscilloscopes

DMMs

Ethernet test gear

OTN generators

GPIB interface

Git

Jira

AI tooling

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.

The Hardware Characterization team plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and reliability of Ciena products. As a Hardware Characterization Engineer, you will be responsible for validating product interfaces against industry standards and assessing hardware robustness under varying temperature and voltage conditions. You will collaborate with the design team to develop a test plans and schedule, execute tests, analyze results, assist in debugging issues, and generate detailed test reports.

A key aspect of this role also involves contributing to and enhancing the team’s automated test suite. This suite is crucial for improving team efficiency and productivity through streamlined automation processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans to validate hardware performance.
• Perform hardware testing, including functional, performance, and stress testing.
• Analyze test results, identify and troubleshoot issues.
• Provide updates on test progress and generate comprehensive test reports upon completion of testing
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the team’s automation test suite.
• Collaborate with design engineers to understand product test requirements.

The Must Haves

• 2+ years of experience in hardware validation, characterization, or test automation.
• Solid understanding and proven application of object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts.
• Experience with automation software development for hardware testing. Proficient in C# and Python; experience with Java is an asset.
• Hands-on experience in testing laser-based telecommunication equipment, including configuration, performance, and reliability testing.
• Working knowledge of test equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMMs), Ethernet and OTN traffic generators, and AC/DC transient test sets.
• Working knowledge of pluggable optical module, such as OSFP, QSFP-DD and SFP.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Experience with relevant industry specifications, including Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), voltage transient and noise (ATIS-0600315), and jitter and wander (ATIS-900105.03.2003).
• Experience leveraging AI and Generative AI tools (e.g., coding assistants, automation agents, and LLM-based solutions) to accelerate software development, automate testing, analyze results, and improve engineering productivity.

Nice to Haves

• Familiarity with Ciena networking equipment and product lines.
• Experience using software to interface with test equipment, utilizing Ethernet or GPIB communication protocols.
• Experience with Git-based source control systems and Agile development tools such as Jira.

Pay Range

The salary range for this role in Ottawa ia $74, 200 - $118, 400

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.

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 anEqual 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.