Senior Optical System Designer

Ciena Canada, Inc.; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in optical technology seeks a skilled engineer to architect optical solutions, focusing on photonic systems. The role involves defining system features, collaborating with diverse teams, and mentoring junior members. Join us in a supportive environment that values innovation and teamwork.

Benefits

Discretionary bonuses

Retirement plans

Stock purchase

Wellness initiatives

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of relevant industrial experience.
• In-depth knowledge of optical DWDM photonic platforms.

Responsibilities

• Author the Product Specification Agreement for new features.
• Mentor junior team members.
• Support customer demonstrations of new features.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in engineering or physics

Tools

YANG data models

Network planning tools

Job description

About Ciena

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers individual passions, growth, wellbeing, and belonging. We lead with our humanity—driving business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

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What will you do at Ciena?

Our team defines the overall photonic system features and architectures, and the control strategies to operate it. In this role, you will architect optical solutions, which could include new hardware configurations and/or features that improve functionality, robustness, ease of use, and optical performance for our customers.

Responsibilities

• Author the Product Specification Agreement detailing high-level requirements for new features or architectures to guide detailed implementation by other teams.
• Work with Product Line Managers to clarify and negotiate customer requirements for new features and functionalities.
• Generate innovative ideas and solutions, balancing acceptable solutions with complexity considerations.
• Support or participate in customer demonstrations of new features or prototypes.
• Assist with complex or urgent field issues escalated from support teams.
• Mentor junior team members.

Required Skills

• Deep understanding of fiber optic communication systems and optical technologies, including propagation and impairments.
• Ability to interface with and influence diverse teams such as verification, hardware/software design, product management, support, and application development.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work efficiently both independently and collaboratively.
• Proven multitasking and prioritization skills.

Experience

• In-depth knowledge of optical DWDM photonic platforms and applications.
• Proven troubleshooting skills, leading investigations and coordinating teams to reach root cause analysis, with the ability to present complex information clearly to customers and executives.
• Understanding of optical link budgeting and application to new designs.
• Familiarity with YANG data models and NBI.
• Knowledge of network or optical planning tools is an asset.
• Knowledge of control loop design is an asset.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in engineering or physics with at least 4 years of relevant industrial experience.

Location

• Full-time position based in Ottawa.

The annual salary range is $90,800 to $145,000 CAD. Compensation at Ciena considers knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and location, reflecting our diverse products and industries.

Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, benefits, and participation in various programs, including retirement plans, stock purchase, and wellness initiatives. We comply with applicable laws regarding leaves of absence and accommodations.

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Our Commitment

At Ciena, we foster an environment where employees feel respected, valued, and heard. We celebrate workforce diversity and are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including for disability and protected veteran status. Please inform us of any accommodation needs during the recruitment process.