Pluggable Optical Modems Test Engineer

Ciena Corporation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 78,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision plans

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Paid holidays, sick leave and vacation

401K & DCPP with company matching

Job summary

Ciena Corporation is seeking a skilled professional to validate and test legacy and next-generation pluggable optical modems. You will work closely with engineering to run functional, performance, and stress tests and help improve automation.

The role emphasizes automation, analysis, and collaboration across hardware, software, and firmware teams. Ideal candidates have 4+ years of test automation experience, strong scripting in Python or MATLAB, and solid hardware troubleshooting with optical

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s in EE/CE/Optical Engineering required.
• 4+ years in test automation and hardware troubleshooting.
• Experience with optical components: lasers, photodetectors, fiber.
• Proficiency with lab equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers.
• Scripting in Python or MATLAB for automation.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Execute factory test plans for legacy and next-generation pluggable optical modems.
• Review, document, and communicate test results and defects with development teams.
• Investigate product issues with senior engineers and contribute to root cause analysis.
• Build and maintain automated test scripts and tools that improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and firmware teams in a cross-functional environment.

Skills

Test automation

Python

MATLAB

Hardware troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical/Computer/Optical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer/Optical Engineering

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. At Ciena, this role contributes to the validation and quality of legacy and next-generation pluggable optical modems that enable high-performance optical communications. The position works closely with engineering teams to execute testing, investigate issues, and improve automation capabilities. Success in this role helps ensure reliable product performance and efficient manufacturing readiness.

How you will make an impact:

• Execute factory test plans for legacy and next-generation pluggable optical modems, including functional, performance, and stress testing.
• Review, document, and communicate test results and defects with development teams.
• Investigate product issues alongside senior engineers and contribute to root cause analysis.
• Build and maintain automated test scripts and tools that improve efficiency and reduce test time.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and firmware teams in a cross-functional engineering environment.

The must haves:

• Education: Master’s degree OR Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 4+ years of experience with test automation, including code development and hardware troubleshooting. Application of optical communication principles and components, including lasers, photodetectors, and optical fiber.
• Utilization of lab test equipment, including optical spectrum analyzers and optical power meters.
• Application of at least one scripting language, such as Python or MATLAB, for test automation.
• Curiosity, analytical thinking, and a practical approach to problem solving.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Nice to haves:

• Experience with object-oriented programming concepts.
• Experience gained through an internship or co‑op in an engineering or hardware test environment.
• Exposure to automated test frameworks or continuous integration workflows.
• Familiarity with optical networking standards or emerging industry technologies.
• Willingness to learn, ask questions, and grow in a fast-moving technical environment.

Pay Range: CAD 77,500.00 - 121,000.00 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.

Dig deeper into who we are, what we do, and what you can expect as a member of our team. Meet the people who are shaping the future of communication and explore the culture we’ve built together at CienaLife.