Senior Optical Engineer

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 94,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena in Ottawa, Ontario is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to lead evaluation and lifecycle management of key optical technologies across photonic subsystems. You will partner with suppliers and cross‑functional teams to define qualification strategies, assess performance, and guide design decisions that ensure long‑term reliability.

The role requires 8+ years in optical networking or photonics, and hands‑on experience with WSS, OCM, EDFA/Raman, and DWDM technologies, plus strong analytical

Qualifications

• 8+ years in optical networking or photonics.
• Experience with WSS, OCM, EDFA/Raman, DWDM and optical transport systems.
• Experience reviewing specs, qualification results, and supplier documents.
• Experience leading qualification programs and lifecycle decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical owner for WSS, OCM, EDFA/Raman, transceivers and related subsystems.
• Evaluate new technologies with internal experts and suppliers; assess performance.
• Review supplier specifications, qualification reports, reliability data and docs.
• Lead PCN evaluations and assess impact on product performance and lifecycle.
• Develop qualification strategies, validation plans and acceptance criteria.
• Design and execute lab validation to verify system requirements.
• Support supplier issues, roadmaps, and continuous improvement.
• Drive second-source qualification and obsolescence management.
• Analyze field data and assist root-cause investigations.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, development and service teams.
• Present recommendations and risk assessments to engineering leadership.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Optical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

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.

We are seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to provide technical leadership for the evaluation, qualification, and lifecycle management of optical technologies used across Ciena's photonic line systems. This role focuses on assessing supplier-driven changes, reviewing technical specifications, leading qualification programs, and ensuring the long‑term performance, reliability, and availability of critical optical subsystems.

The successful candidate will possess a strong foundation in optical networking technologies and will become a key technical contributor supporting optical subsystems including Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS), Optical Channel Monitors (OCM), amplifier technologies, and optical transceivers. Working closely with suppliers and cross‑functional teams, you will drive technical assessments, qualification strategies, and lifecycle decisions that support Ciena's product portfolio.

The position is based in Ottawa, Ontario.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Act as the technical owner for optical technologies including: Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS), Optical Channel Monitors (OCM), EDFA and Raman amplifier technologies, Optical transceivers and related photonic subsystems
• Work with internal technology experts and suppliers to evaluate new technologies, review specifications, assess performance, and support product lifecycle decisions.
• Review supplier specifications, qualification reports, reliability data, and technical documentation.
• Lead Product Change Notification (PCN) evaluations and assess the impact of supplier changes on product performance, reliability, manufacturability, and deployed systems.
• Develop qualification strategies, validation plans, and acceptance criteria for new optical technologies, alternate suppliers, and component changes.
• Design and execute laboratory validation activities to characterize optical performance and verify compliance with system requirements.
• Support supplier issue resolution, technology roadmap discussions, and continuous product improvement activities.
• Drive second‑source qualification, obsolescence management, and long‑term lifecycle planning.
• Analyze field performance data and support root cause investigations involving optical technologies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, development, and service teams to successfully introduce and support optical technologies throughout the product lifecycle.
• Present technical recommendations, risk assessments, and qualification results to engineering leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: 8+ years of industry experience in optical networking, photonic systems, optical hardware, or related technologies.
• Strong foundation in optical networking technologies with experience in one or more of the following: Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS), Optical Channel Monitors (OCM), EDFA and Raman amplification technologies, Optical transceivers, DWDM and optical transport systems
• Experience reviewing technical specifications, qualification results, and supplier documentation.
• Experience developing and executing qualification or validation programs.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause investigation skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and cross‑functional collaboration abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with optical component and subsystem suppliers on qualification, issue resolution, or technology development activities.
• Experience with optical laboratory characterization and performance testing.
• Experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for test automation and data analysis.
• Familiarity with reliability engineering, accelerated life testing, and statistical analysis techniques.

Pay Range

The annual pay range for this position is C$94,100 - C$150,300.

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.