Senior Optical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision plan

Retirement plan (DCPP/401K)

Job summary

Ciena Canada ULC is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to contribute to the design, analysis, and validation of advanced optical communication systems powering next-generation networks in Ottawa. You will translate customer needs into end-to-end technical solutions and collaborate across hardware, software, and manufacturing teams.

The role emphasizes leadership and mentorship, experience with AI models to improve efficiency, and a track record of leading technical studies, presenting results to

Qualifications

• Requires Master’s degree in Electrical/Optical Engineering or Physics; leadership and mentorship desirable.
• Experience with AI models to improve efficiency is a plus.
• Experience leading technical studies, drawing conclusions, and presenting results.

Responsibilities

• Provide Pre-sales support defining commercially viable end-to-end technical solutions for customers, handling RFPs and converting needs into designs.
• Simulate complex optical systems, including transmitters, receivers, and link budgets, to meet performance requirements.
• Analyze optical system performance using statistical data techniques to identify trends and improvements.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Define optical test methodologies and evaluate results to validate field trial system performance.
• Communicate with Sales Engineers and Account Primes to gather customer network details.
• Develop link engineering planning material for sales engineers.
• Mentor junior engineers and new in career roles.

Skills

Pre-sales support

Optical system simulation

Statistical data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Test methodologies

Communication with Sales Engineers

Link engineering planning

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Electrical/Optical Engineering or Physics

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Optical Engineering or Physics

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.

As a Senior Optical Engineer at Ciena Canada ULC, this role contributes to the design, analysis, and validation of advanced optical communication systems that enable next-generation networks. The position plays a critical role in delivering high-performance and reliable optical technologies that support global connectivity.

How you will make an impact:

• Provide Pre-sales support defining commercially viable end-to-end technical solutions for customers, handling RFPs and converting customers’ needs into detailed technical solutions and designs.
• Simulate complex optical systems, including transmitters, receivers, and link budgets, to meet defined performance requirements.
• Analyze optical system performance using statistical data techniques to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Define optical test methodologies and evaluate results to validate field trial system performance.
• Communicate with Sales Engineers and Account Primes to obtain all relevant details of customer network and application requirements.
• Develop link engineering planning material for use by sales engineers.
• You will mentor junior and new in career engineers.

The must haves:

• Education: Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics OR Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics
• Have a desire to lead and mentor
• Experience utilizing AI models to improve efficiency
• Experience leading technical studies, drawing and supporting conclusions, presenting results internally and externally.

Nice to haves:

• Experience: Proven experience in designing optical communication systems within telecommunications or data communications environments
• Demonstrated collaboration across cross-functional engineering
• #LI-BS1

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.

Benefits:

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 (ESP PP), 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.

Company Culture and Equal Opportunity

• 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.