Senior Mechanical Engineer – Photonics & Optical Systems

Photonpath S.r.l.; Milano; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer in Milano to develop mechanical, thermal, and opto‑mechanical solutions for next‑gen photonic modules. You will design enclosures, perform thermal analysis, and collaborate with photonics, electrical, and software teams from concept to high‑volume production.

The role requires a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years of hands‑on experience, with strong CAD (GD&T) and tolerance analysis skills, plus experience in manufacturing processes and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on mechanical design and thermal simulations.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and drawings, including GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with thermal and structural analysis tools and hands-on testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical and thermal solutions for photonic/electronic hardware, including enclosures and interfaces.
• Perform thermal simulations to optimise heat dissipation and temperature stability.
• Conduct tolerance stack‑ups and dimensional analyses under thermal effects.
• Collaborate with photonics, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to deliver integrated products.
• Design fixtures and tooling to improve calibration, testing, and scalability.
• Support manufacturing scale-up with manufacturability, assembly, cost, and quality considerations.

Skills

Mechanical design

Thermal simulations

3D CAD

GD&T

Tolerance analyses

Heat transfer

Material properties

Structural mechanics

DFM / assembly

English skills

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

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. Join Ciena’s multidisciplinary team developing photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and next-generation optical modules.

Our work spans PIC design, fabrication, and testing through the development of complete optical modules, integrating photonic devices, electronics and controls, thermal management, and mechanical enclosures.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will develop the mechanical, thermal, and opto‑mechanical solutions that turn these technologies into robust and manufacturable products. You will work closely with photonics, electrical, and software engineers, supporting product development from initial concepts and prototypes through integration, verification, and high-volume production.

How will you make an impact

• Develop mechanical and thermal solutions: Design enclosures, thermal interfaces, and other mechanical components that integrate photonic, and electronic hardware.
• Develop thermal management solutions: Perform thermal simulations and optimise heat dissipation, temperature stability, and airflow under different operating conditions.
• Perform tolerance analysis: Evaluate dimensional and geometric tolerance stack-ups, including thermal effects, to ensure correct positioning, alignment, assembly, and product performance.
• Work with multidisciplinary team: collaborate with optical, hardware, electrical, and software engineers to develop integrated product solutions.
• Improve calibration and test setups: Design and optimise mechanical fixtures and tooling for calibration with focus on accuracy, repeatability, efficiency, and scalability.
• Support manufacturing scale‑up: Develop mechanical solutions with manufacturability, assembly, repeatability, cost, and quality in mind, supporting the transition from prototypes to high-volume production.

The must have

• Education: Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline. Experience: 3+ years of hands‑on experience in mechanical design and thermal simulations. Proficiency with 3D CAD and engineering drawings, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack‑up analysis. Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermal expansion, material properties, and structural mechanics, with particular attention to deformation and dimensional stability. Experience using thermal and structural analysis tools to guide design decisions, supported by hands‑on testing and validation. Familiarity with manufacturing processes, material selection, and design for manufacturing (DFM) and assembly. Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of optical or photonic products, including optical communication systems and their application in data centers and telecommunications
• Experience with TEC-based temperature control, thermal interface materials, and thermal management of temperature‑sensitive optical devices.
• Familiarity with environmental and reliability testing, including thermal cycling, shock, vibration, and ingress protection.
• Having worked in teams using Agile methodologies.
• Experience supporting manufacturing scale‑up, production test, automated testing, or product qualification.

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.

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