Photonic Systems Test Technician

Ciena Corporation; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision plans

Company matching 401(K)

ESPP

EAP

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Vacation time

Paid family leave

Job summary

Ciena Corporation in Ottawa is looking for a laboratory technician to perform incoming field-return triage, fault isolation, and comprehensive testing of photonic networking products. You will build and operate automated lab test systems, maintain documentation, and support engineering changes.

The role requires 2–5 years of hands-on lab experience with optical/electronic systems, plus skills in testing equipment and fiber optics handling.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology or related field.
• 2-5 years hands-on experience with optical, telecommunications, networking, or electronic systems in lab/manufacturing/field support.
• Experience building, configuring, troubleshooting lab test setups.
• Familiarity with fiber optic handling, inspection, cleaning, testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming field-return triage and basic fault isolation using logs, alarms and test results.
• Execute optical, electrical, and system-level testing on photonic networking products.
• Build, configure, operate and maintain automated photonic lab test systems and setups.
• Support operation and maintenance of automated lab test systems and equipment.
• Maintain lab inventory and test records; document test setups and procedures.
• Assist in engineering change activities and qualification testing.

Skills

Lab testing

Test equipment

Fiber optics

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Diploma in Electronics Eng Tech

Photonics Technology

Electrical Eng Tech

Tools

Oscilloscopes

OTDRs

Spectrum analyzers

Digital multimeters

Optical power meters

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.

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

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.

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
• compliance 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.