Optical Design Engineer

Ciena Corporation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 132,367 - 211,422; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical

dental

vision plans

401(K) and DCPP with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Employee Assistance Program

paid holidays

paid sick leave

vacation time

Job summary

Ciena in Ottawa is seeking an Optical Design Engineer to contribute to the Hardware Sustaining function of our Converged Packet Optical R&D organization. This in-person role is based on our Ottawa campus and supports product reliability and lifecycle management.

You will design, characterize, test, and sustain optical components used in PON/DCOM transceivers and WaveLogic coherent modems, collaborating with global facilities and customers to ensure quality and performance.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Opto‑Electronics, Photonics, or a related discipline.
• 3+ years contributing to design, characterization, manufacturing, and/or testing of opto-electronic devices or systems.
• Application of optical device principles and test methods involving lasers, amplifiers, modulators, detectors, optical subassemblies, and transceivers.
• Hands‑on experience with optical lab test equipment (OSAs, OPMs, DCAs, OTDRs, VOAs).
• Problem‑solving mindset with ability to investigate root causes and work across locations.

Responsibilities

• Design, characterize, and test hardware to improve reliability, reduce cost, and mitigate obsolescence.
• Interface with global manufacturing facilities to maintain yield and drive improvements.
• Plan and execute lab experiments to characterize optical components and transceivers.
• Develop optical test and screening methodologies to optimize yield and reliability.
• Analyze test data to validate performance and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide hardware failure analysis for investigations and support activities.

Skills

Optical design

Hardware design

Lab testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Opto‑Electronics, Photonics, or related discipline

Tools

OSAs

OPMs

DCAs

OTDRs

VOAs

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.

Ciena is seeking an Optical Design Engineer to contribute to the Hardware Sustaining function of our Converged Packet Optical R&D organization. This role focuses on the design, characterization, testing, and sustaining of optical components used in PON/DCOM transceivers and WaveLogic coherent optical modems. It is an in-person position based out of our Ottawa, ON campus and plays a key role in product reliability, lifecycle management, and customer satisfaction.

How you will make an impact:

• Design, characterize, and test hardware to improve reliability, reduce cost, and mitigate component obsolescence issues throughout the product lifecycle.
• Interface with global manufacturing facilities to maintain product yield and drive continuous product improvements.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments to characterize optical components, transceiver modules, and engineering design changes.
• Develop and deliver optical test and screening methodologies that optimize product yield and verify long-term reliability.
• Analyze optical, electrical, and environmental test data to validate performance, determine root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide hardware failure analysis and technical expertise for local and remote investigations, product customization efforts, and support activities.

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Opto‑Electronics, Photonics, or a related discipline.
• Experience: 3+ years contributing to the design, characterization, manufacturing, and/or testing of opto-electronic devices or systems through academic research, internships, or industry projects.
• Application of optical device principles and test methods involving lasers, amplifiers, modulators, detectors, optical subassemblies, and transceivers.
• Hands‑on experience with optical lab test equipment, including but not limited to: OSAs, OPMs, DCAs, OTDRs, and VOAs.
• Problem‑solving mindset: aptitude for executing investigations to determine root causes and resolve issues locally and remotely.
• Ability to learn and apply new concepts while managing multiple projects and changing priorities.
• Comfortable providing verbal and written technical updates to team members, senior management, and external customers.

Nice to haves:

• Education: Post‑graduate degree (Masters or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Opto‑Electronics, Photonics, or a related discipline.
• Application of statistical and data analysis methods, including distributions, Cpk, and USL/LSL.
• Experience with laboratory test equipment automation and/or scripting using Python, MATLAB, Tcl, or similar tools.
• Knowledge of Passive Optical Networking (PON) or the PON market, IEEE/ ITU standards and transceiver technologies.

Pay Range:

The annual salary range for this position is $94,100 - $150,300. 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.

Benefits:

• medical
• dental
• 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
• 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. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. 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.