Layout Design Co-op (Summer 2025)

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking technology company that values a people-first philosophy and fosters a flexible work environment. As an analog layout design co-op, you will engage in creating high-speed analog circuit layouts, collaborating closely with experienced engineers. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies in the telecommunications industry, contributing to the development of innovative products that shape the future of broadband fiber-optic solutions. If you're passionate about electronics and eager to learn in a dynamic team setting, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of layout techniques for floor planning and minimizing parasitics.
• Experience in custom layout design of Analog/Mixed Signal designs.

Responsibilities

• Create layouts of assigned analog blocks following floor planning and routing.
• Conduct verification checks to ensure layout quality.

Skills

Analog Layout Design

Custom Analog and Mixed Signal Design

Deep Sub-Micron CMOS Knowledge

Scripting Skills (PERL or SKILL)

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Studying in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Cadence Virtuoso

Siemens Calibre

Job description

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

The Opportunity:

The Wavelogic family of products are widely used in Ciena's optical fiber transmission solutions and are one of the main contributors to Ciena's success in the telecommunications industry. Successful candidates will be joining a vibrant team with a proven track-record of success over 30-years of evolution and revolution in the advancement of high-speed circuits used in broadband fiber-optic modems. This team pioneered the introduction of the world’s first high-speed DAC and ADC analog macros that ushered in the era of coherent fiber-optic product solutions.

To further strengthen our team, we are looking for a hardworking analog layout design co-op who will be working on advanced high-speed analog design circuits in the latest deep-submicron CMOS and/or BiCMOS technologies. Your role as an analog layout design co-op will involve creating layouts designs of analog circuits such as high-speed ADC/DAC and PLL. You will work under the oversight of a principal layout engineer and collaborate closely with the team members.

Responsibilities:

• Carry out layout feasibility studies on various circuit designs in collaboration with senior analog designers. The goal will be to find the best possible solution considering various trade-offs and discussions with team members.
• Create layouts of assigned analog blocks by adhering to the steps of floor planning, placement and routing.
• Conduct thorough verification checks such as DRC, LVS, EM, IR to ensure the final layout possesses the highest level of quality.
• Investigate new features within the layout tools and processes used for creating layouts with the aim of enhancing productivity.
• Provide regular status updates, participate in team meetings and share experiences with the rest of the group.

The Must Haves:

• Studying in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in custom analog and mixed signal layout design with a strong knowledge of deep sub-micron CMOS devices.
• Knowing layout techniques for Floor Planning, device matching, minimizing parasitics, shielding, EM, IR drop.
• Experience in custom layout design of Analog/Mixed Signal designs (e.g. Opamp, Current Mirror)
• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing processes and foundry technologies.
• Experience in using industry-standard layout tools (e.g., Cadence Virtuoso, Siemens Calibre).
• Knowing how to interpret DRC and LVS reports.
• Scripting skills in PERL or SKILL are a plus, but not required.
• Highly motivated with strong team player skills, exhibits a positive can-do attitude and ability to seamlessly integrate into an existing team culture.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address layout-related issues efficiently.
• Meticulous attention to details, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and quality in all layout designs.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and adapt quickly to changing project requirements.
• Ability to identify failure-prone circuit and layout structures and proactively work with circuit designers to resolve problems.