Optical System Architect

Ciena; New Providence (NJ); On-site; USD 117,800 - 188,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(K) plan with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Paid sick leave and vacation time

Job summary

Ciena, located in New Providence, NJ, is seeking a talented individual to join our xPO System Architecture and Simulation team, focusing on next-generation optical interconnect solutions. The role requires expertise in optics and simulation to shape cutting-edge technologies while working in a flexible and supportive environment.

The ideal candidate should hold a Master’s or Ph.D. in relevant disciplines and possess strong skills in high-speed optical systems. Ciena emphasizes a people-first culture, offering competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in relevant fields with industry experience.
• Proficiency in Python for simulation tools.
• Strong knowledge of integrated photonics and optical systems.

Responsibilities

• Define architectures for xPO interconnect products.
• Evaluate system requirements and create specifications.
• Lead modeling and simulation for performance validation.
• Correlate simulation data with performance results.
• Collaborate with various engineering groups.

Skills

Optical system design

High-speed photonics

Python programming

Signal integrity understanding

Education

Master’s degree in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Signal integrity analysis tools

Vector network analyzers

Bit-error-rate testers

Oscilloscopes

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 xPO System Architecture and Simulation team driving next-generation optical interconnect innovation for AI-scale systems. This role shapes the architecture of emerging Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) solutions, ensuring industry-leading performance across integrated photonics, packaging, and system-level design.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Define architectures for current and future xPO interconnect products
• Evaluate high-level system requirements and translate them into subcomponent specifications for engineering teams
• Lead system-level modeling and simulation efforts to enable end-to-end performance validation
• Correlate simulated and measured performance data to refine internal models
• Advance internally developed Python-based link simulation tools
• Collaborate across photonic integrated circuits (PICs), electrical integrated circuit (EICs), packaging, and other engineering groups to optimize system design
• Present system insights and results to internal and external stakeholders

The Must Haves

• Master’s degree (+) in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with industry experience in simulation, measurement, or system architecture
• Knowledge of high-speed photonics and optical system design with emphasis on integrated photonics
• Understanding of signal integrity principles and intensity modulation/direct detection (IMDD) transceiver design
• Proficiency in Python programming
• Ability to synthesize complex technical findings into clear communication

Nice To Haves

• PhD in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering
• Familiarity with IEEE and Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) standards
• Experience with signal integrity and power integrity analysis
• Knowledge of digital signal processing and numerical analysis
• Background in silicon photonics
• Experience with high-speed test and measurement tools such as vector network analyzers (VNAs), bit-error-rate testers (BERTs), and oscilloscopes

Pay Range

The annual pay range for this position is $117,800 - $188,200.

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.