Senior Optical Engineer

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 94,100 - 150,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(K) with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Paid sick leave and vacation time

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Job summary

Ciena in Ottawa, Ontario is seeking an experienced engineer to design cutting-edge photonic components. This role requires collaboration with multiple teams to innovate and validate designs through focused testing.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and possesses at least 4 years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary range of $94,100 - $150,300 CAD along with comprehensive benefits and a flexible work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years in technology-oriented product development.
• Proficient in measurement of photonic components.
• Experience with design validation testing (DVT).

Responsibilities

• Design innovative optical architectures for photonic components.
• Collaborate with teams to define specifications and track progress.
• Lead design reviews and perform Design Validation Testing (DVT).

Skills

High-speed integrated photonic components

Optical design

Proactive decision-making

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Finite element analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS)

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.

Reporting to the Director of Component Design, you will be a key member of the High Speed Photonic Components (HSPC) team. Specifically, you will be responsible for the design of various photonic components under development within the HSPC group. This will include optical modeling of the components, defining specifications in collaboration with the modem team, planning experimental designs, and analyzing the results of these plans to validate and optimize the design to meet performance requirements. In this role, you will interact closely with other members of the HSPC group and with other internal R&D teams. This cutting‑edge environment, focused on designing the world’s highest-performing optical products, will motivate you and keep you at the forefront of your field.

How You Will Contribute

• Develop a deep understanding of Ciena's integrated photonic components to design innovative new optical architectures
• Collaborate with the test, RF design, and chip design teams to define functional specifications
• Plan experiments to ensure all critical design parameters are met, while optimizing resource utilization and test efficiency
• Track, document, and communicate progress and identify potential issues that could affect product functionality or target timelines
• Participate in and lead design reviews, ensuring documentation and follow-up
• Perform Design Validation Testing (DVT) on prototypes and final products to ensure the design achieves target performance and deliver results to the internal customer;
• Interact with other external groups (NPI and operations groups) to transfer the developed design to a production environment.

The Must Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of experience in technology-oriented product development.
• Knowledge or experience in high-speed integrated photonic components, measurement of photonic components, and optical design.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment driven by product development schedules.
• Proactive decision-making and problem‑solving capabilities with a keen sense of initiative and innovation.
• Effective communication skills, with a focus on synthesis and solutions-oriented dialogue.

Assets

• Master’s degree or higher in engineering or related discipline.
• Familiarity with design validation testing (DVT) and statistical analysis.
• Experience with thermo‑mechanical stresses optimization and IC assembly processes.
• Knowledge of finite element analysis tools such as ANSYS.

The annual salary range for this position is $94,100 - $150,300 CAD.

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.