Photonic Systems Test Technician

ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision plans

ESPP

EAP

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a Photonic Systems Technician to support RLS and related photonic products in a lab environment in Ottawa, Canada. You will assist with development, testing, sustainment, and field-return evaluations while collaborating with engineering teams.

The role focuses on building and maintaining automated test systems, handling lab inventory, and documenting procedures for repeatable testing across optical and electrical domains.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology, Photonics, Telecommunications Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field.
• 2–5 years hands-on experience with optical, telecommunications, networking, or electronic systems in lab, manufacturing, or field support.
• Experience building, configuring, and troubleshooting laboratory test setups.
• Familiarity with fiber optic handling, inspection, cleaning, testing practices.
• Experience using oscilloscopes, optical power meters, OTDRs, spectrum analyzers, and DMMs.
• Basic understanding of electronics, telecommunications, and optical networking concepts.
• Strong organizational, inventory, and multitasking skills.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming field-return triage, basic fault isolation, and hardware evaluation using field logs, alarms and test results.
• Execute optical, electrical, and system-level testing on photonic networking products.
• Build, configure, operate, and maintain automated photonic laboratory test systems and test setups supporting development, validation, and qualification activities.
• Support the operation and maintenance of automated photonic laboratory test systems and equipment.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, engineering hardware, optical modules, and field-return assets.
• Create and maintain laboratory procedures, test records, and test setup documentation.
• Support engineering change activities, component evaluations, and alternate-source qualification testing.

Skills

Lab testing

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Teamwork

Electronics basics

Education

Diploma in Electronics

Photonics technology

Tools

Oscilloscopes

OTDRs

Spectrum analyzers

Multimeters

Job description

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We're a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being-on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.

The Photonic Systems Technician supports the development, testing, and sustainment of Ciena's Reconfigurable Line System (RLS) and related photonic products. This hands-on role is responsible for supporting laboratory equipment and automated test environments, supporting optical and system-level testing activities, conducting initial field-return evaluations, and maintaining laboratory hardware and inventory. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering teams to support product development, qualification, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform incoming field-return triage, basic fault isolation, and hardware evaluation using field logs, alarms and test results
• Execute optical, electrical, and system-level testing on photonic networking products.
• Build, configure, operate, and maintain automated photonic laboratory test systems and test setups supporting engineering development, validation, and qualification activities.
• Support the operation and maintenance of automated photonic laboratory test systems and equipment.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, engineering hardware, optical modules, and field-return assets.
• Create and maintain laboratory procedures, test records, and test setup documentation
• Support engineering change activities, component evaluations, and alternate-source qualification testing.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology, Photonics, Telecommunications Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
• 2-5 years of hands-on experience working with optical, telecommunications, networking, or electronic systems in a laboratory, manufacturing, or field support environment
• Experience building, configuring, and troubleshooting laboratory test setups.
• Familiarity with fiber optic handling, inspection, cleaning, and testing practices.
• Experience using electronic and optical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, optical power meters, OTDRs, spectrum analyzers, and digital multimeters.
• Basic understanding of electronics, telecommunications, and optical networking concepts.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage equipment, inventory, and multiple tasks.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with optical transport, ROADM, WSS, OCM, amplifier, or photonic systems.
• Experience with fiber optic troubleshooting and optical performance measurements.
• Experience with automated test environments or scripting tools such as Python.
• Experience supporting product development, manufacturing, repair, or failure-analysis environments.

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Pay Range:

The hourly pay range for this position is C$21.82/hr - C$34.90/hr.

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.