Photonics RLS Senior Engineer

ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 109,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(K) with company match (USA) & DCPP

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Paid holidays and vacation

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Ciena, a global leader in high-speed connectivity, seeks a senior engineer to advance test systems for photonics and modem products at the Ottawa site. The role focuses on automation, design for testability, and cross-functional collaboration across RLS, NPI, and contract manufacturers.

The position emphasizes scaling automation, improving efficiency, and ensuring production readiness across global operations. A strong background in electronics testing and open automation approaches is required.

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's in Engineering as specified.
• 10+ years of SYS, Modems, RLS LCM, Failure Analysis, or Test Engineering experience.
• Experience with automation-focused ATE development.

Responsibilities

• Drive automation initiatives focused on efficiency and continuous operational improvement.
• Lead RLS LCM topics at the Ottawa location and coordinate across global sites.
• Develop, enhance, and maintain test automation software, sequences, and instructions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing partners to establish prototype and production-level test processes.

Skills

Automation leadership

Test engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Code development automation

Open architecture Sequencer Tree

Cloud automation

Telecom product testing

Education

Master's in Engineering (Security, Computer, Electronics)

Bachelor's in Engineering (Security, Computer, Electronics)

Tools

C#

Python

TestStand

Lua

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.

As part of Ciena's Modem and Photonics Lifecycle Management (LCM) organization, this senior engineering role contributes to the development and optimization of test systems supporting next-generation photonics/RLS and modem products. The role advances manufacturing test strategy, strengthens product quality, and enables collaboration across engineering teams, manufacturing partners, and cross-functional stakeholders. Success in this position helps scale automation, efficiency, and production readiness across global operations.

How you will make an impact:

• Drive automation initiatives focused on efficiency, business case development, and continuous operational improvement.
• Lead RLS LCM topics at the Ottawa location and coordinate performance across multiple global RLS LCM sites.
• Develop, enhance, and maintain test automation software, test sequences, and test instructions.
• Drive Design for Testability reviews and provide technical guidance throughout the R&D lifecycle.
• Partner with NPI, LCM, and Repair teams during prototype builds and validation activities for alpha and beta platforms.
• Collaborate with Contract Manufacturers to establish prototype and production-level test processes.
• Optimize test methods and integrate test stations into Ciena's manufacturing ecosystem, including process flows, databases, and automation interfaces.

The must haves:

• Master's degree in Engineering (Security, Computer, or Electronics) OR Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Security, Computer, or Electronics)
• 10+ years of experience in SYS, Modems, RLS LCM, Failure Analysis, or Test Engineering within electronics or contract manufacturing environments
• Team-based participation within an automation-focused ATE development environment.
• Openness to learning automation approaches using open architecture Sequencer Tree, Branch, and Leaf methodologies.
• Openness to learning code development methods and cloud automation paired with AI.
• Application of telecom product testing and debugging techniques.
• Utilization of C#, Python, TestStand, Lua, PCB schematics, laboratory test equipment, and collaboration with Contract Manufacturers including Sanmina, Celestica, Flex, USI, and Jabil.

Nice to haves:

• Experience: Experience with electro-optics secure product development and testing.
• Application of Ciena optical modem technologies and/or Photonics/RLS technologies, including Ramans and optical switches.
• Utilization of security standards, test protocols, and automated test systems.
• Curiosity to explore and adopt new technologies to address emerging challenges.

Pay Range:

CAD 109,000.00 to 160,000.00

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.