Hardware Systems Architect (Optical Networking)

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 89,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(K) & DCPP

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Vacation time

Paid Family Leave

Job summary

Ciena in Ottawa, Canada is seeking a seasoned hardware and systems architect to design and drive optical line card architectures for high-speed networks. You will collaborate across optical, electrical, and control subsystems to shape requirements and create system-level models.

The role demands 10+ years in optical networking, strong leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and deep knowledge of Ethernet 400/800/1600GE+ and OTN, with emphasis on signal integrity and protection architectures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering required.
• 10+ years hardware, system design, or system support experience in optical networking or related high-speed technologies.
• Experience defining system architectures and driving technical decisions across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience applying coherent optical systems and line card architectures in product development.

Responsibilities

• Architect coherent optical line card solutions, including requirements definition and system-level modeling.
• Define architectural requirements for optical protection methods and coherent modem-based systems.
• Lead evaluations of high-speed hardware architectures with 400/800/1600GE+ connectivity and SerDes technologies.
• Define system-level interactions across hardware, firmware, software, and management interfaces.
• Guide system integration activities including hardware characterization and interoperability testing.
• Oversee end-to-end system-level validation replicating customer use cases.
• Produce technical documentation and collaborate across engineering, PLM, and field teams.

Skills

Coherent optical systems

Line card architecture

Optical protection architectures

Ethernet 400/800/1600GE+

OTN

PTP and SyncE

System-level modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

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 Make An Impact

• Architect coherent optical line card solutions, including requirements definition, functional partitioning, and system-level modeling across optical, electrical, and control subsystems.
• Define architectural requirements for optical protection methods and coherent modem-based systems, including performance expectations, signal flows, control integration, and interoperability constraints.
• Lead evaluations of high-speed hardware architectures involving 400/800/1600GE+ connectivity standards, SerDes technologies, pluggable optics, and backplane or fabric integration.
• Define system-level interactions across hardware, firmware, software, and management interfaces while guiding key technical decisions throughout product development.
• Guide system integration activities, including hardware characterization, modem performance validation, software bring-up, and interoperability testing.
• Oversee end-to-end system-level validation that replicates customer use cases and investigate complex technical issues identified during bring-up and testing.
• Produce technical documentation, present architectural content, and collaborate across engineering, PLM, and field teams to resolve customer issues and align product direction.

The Must Haves

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.
• Experience: 10+ years of hardware, system design, or system support experience in optical networking or related high-speed technologies.
• Demonstrated experience defining system architectures and driving technical decisions across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Application of coherent optical systems and line card architecture in product development environments.
• Background in optical protection architectures and high-speed signal integrity.
• Application of networking protocols, including Ethernet (400/800/1600GE+) and OTN.
• Utilization of synchronization technologies, including PTP and SyncE, with analytical and communication skills applied in engineering environments.

Pay Range: The annual salary range for this position is $89,400 - $142,800 CAD.

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 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.