Senior Analog & Mixed-Signal Modelling Architect

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 109,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Paid sick leave and vacation time

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a Senior Analog & Mixed-Signal Modelling Architect in Ottawa to drive design and modeling for next-generation optical modems. This role involves working with C++ and SystemC in collaboration with multiple teams to optimize performance and validation.

Applicants should have a post-graduate degree and expertise in analog processes. The position offers a salary range of $109,000 - $174,000 CAD, alongside a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Expert-level understanding of analog and mixed-signal processing in high-speed communication systems.
• Proven experience writing C++ and/or SystemC behavioral models for hardware-adjacent systems.
• Solid understanding of key analog impairments and their impact on modem-level performance.

Responsibilities

• Define system-level analog and mixed-signal functions for coherent optical modems.
• Develop behavioral models using C++ and SystemC.
• Collaborate closely with teams to align models and validation plans.

Skills

C++

SystemC

Analog and mixed-signal processing

Technical communication

Linux development

Education

Post-graduate degree in Physics or Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

Cadence Virtuoso

Cadence AMS Designer

Xcelium AMS

Job description

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

This is a senior level position. We are seeking a Senior Analog & Mixed-Signal Modelling Architect to join our DSP team. In this role, you will drive the design, modeling, and system-level validation of analog and mixed‑signal subsystems for next-generation high-speed coherent optical modems. This position emphasizes behavioral modeling using C++ and SystemC, tightly integrated with MATLAB-based system simulations, firmware bring‑up flows, and lab validation. You will operate at the intersection of analog‑/digital‑hardware, DSP, firmware, and electro‑optical subsystems—contributing architectural decisions from early concept through silicon bring‑up and product deployment.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Define and review system‑level analog and mixed‑signal functions for coherent optical modems.
• Develop behavioral models of analog and mixed‑signal blocks using C++ and SystemC, with emphasis on firmware register‑map interfaces, control, observability, and execution speed rather than circuit‑level detail.
• Apply C++ / SystemC‑AMS to model continuous‑time and mixed‑signal behavior of PLLs, clocking systems, filters, DACs, ADCs, SerDes, and related subsystems.
• Build, support, and maintain C++ and MATLAB‑based verification flows, including C++ MEX wrappers that enable behavioral models to be exercised directly within system simulators.
• Collaborate closely with analog, digital, DSP, firmware, and lab teams to align models, specifications, and validation plans.
• Support ASIC lab bring‑up and characterization, correlating silicon and lab data with behavioral models and system simulations.
• Plan and schedule design tasks; specify required resources, tools, and processes.
• Create and publish design guidelines, how‑to documents, and setup guides in Confluence.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to best practices in analog behavioral modeling and system‑level validation.

Candidate Profile

• Expert‑level understanding of analog and mixed‑signal processing in high‑speed communication systems.
• Proven experience writing C++ and/or SystemC behavioral models for hardware‑adjacent systems.
• Demonstrated ability to operate at the system‑architecture level while remaining grounded in real analog behavior and physical impairments.
• Solid understanding of key analog impairments, including noise, distortion, non‑linearity, bandwidth limitations, jitter, and phase noise, and their impact on modem‑level performance.
• Strong intuition for analog‑digital partitioning, power‑performance trade‑offs, and calibration strategies.
• Comfortable translating loosely defined system goals into well‑bounded analog architectures and specifications.
• Ability to mentor engineers across disciplines and serve as a technical reference for analog signal‑processing decisions.
• Comfortable working in a Linux‑based development environment, using Git and modern collaborative workflows.
• Clear technical communication skills and the ability to work effectively across disciplines.

Education And Experience

Post‑graduate degree in Physics or Engineering with a focus on ASIC hardware, communication systems, and/or control systems.

Tools

• C++, SystemC‑AMS
• MATLAB, Simulink
• Python
• Cadence Virtuoso
• Cadence AMS Designer
• Xcelium AMS

Pay Range

The annual salary range for this position is $109,000 - $174,000 CAD.

Benefits

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. 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.

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.