Principal/Team Lead, Digital Verification Engineer (FEC)

Ciena Corporation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 133,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena Corporation, a leader in high‑speed networking, seeks a Digital Verification Engineer (FEC) in Ottawa. You will verify Forward Error Correction IP, develop testbenches, and collaborate with ASIC teams to ensure robust IP validation.

The role requires 10+ years in verification, expertise in SystemVerilog, UVM, C++, and a track record of driving coverage and quality across complex blocks.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in verification.
• Strong background in FEC verification and related DP concepts.
• Proven ability to develop test plans, testbenches, and coverage.
• Experience with formal verification methods is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Read FEC architecture and requirements and collaborate with design and systems engineers.
• Develop verification, functional coverage, and formal verification plans.
• Validate FEC functional blocks using simulation, formal, and coverage methods.
• Create testbenches, agents, scoreboard, and test scenarios in SystemVerilog UVM and C++.
• Mentor junior verification engineers and communicate status and risks clearly.

Skills

SystemVerilog

UVM

C++

SVA

Digital verification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer or Software Engineering

Tools

Jira

GIT

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.

How You Will Contribute:

At Ciena, we are at the forefront of the telecommunications industry, and our Wavelogic modem family of products plays a crucial role in our success. As a Digital Verification Engineer (FEC), you will be an integral part of a team responsible for implementing innovative verification strategies in order to thoroughly simulate and validate functional blocks and subsystems for Ciena’s Forward Error Correction (FEC) IP. Reporting to the ASIC Senior Manager, you will collaborate with a team of Digital Design Engineers, Verification Engineers, and Architects to simulate and validate functional blocks and subsystems.

Responsibilities:

• Read and understand the FEC architecture and functional requirements specification document(s) and communicate and collaborate with FEC designers, DSP modelers, FEC verifiers, systems engineers and architects.
• You will be responsible for developing verification, functional coverage and formal verification test plans.
• Thoroughly validate one or more architectural FEC functional blocks using a combination of simulation, formal, and coverage methods.
• Create testbench environments and components, agents, scoreboard, and test scenarios using System Verilog UVM and C++.
• Perform coverage-driven verification, monitor regressions, and debug failures with the support of the function's designer.
• Provide status updates on verification progress on a regular basis and communicate risks as needed.
• Mentor and supervise junior verification engineers requiring robust understanding of team outputs to foster peers’ technical and professional growth.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly and effectively influence stakeholders.

The Must Haves:

• 10+ years of experience in verification.
• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer or Software Engineering.
• Significant experience in using C/C++, System Verilog, UVM, SVA, and simulators from major vendors.
• Proven ability to determine comprehensive digital verification and coverage strategies
• Proven ability to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team via demonstrated leadership and communication capabilities
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to analyze complex situations, evaluate options and implement effective solutions to meet deliverables.

Assets:

• Experience with formal verification methods.
• Strong background in Forward Error Correction (FEC) and/or DSP.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as: Python, Make, bash, object-oriented programming, C, C++.
• Proficiency in bug tracking using Jira and source code management and revision tracking using GIT.
• Previous experience leading a team.
• Previous experience mentoring.

Pay Range:

The annual salary range for this position in Ottawa is $133,100 - $212,500.

#LI-BH #LI-Onsite

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.

Only trust communications from official Ciena channels—we will never ask for payment during the recruitment process.