Optical System Architect

Ciena Corporation; Piscataway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 118,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a highly skilled engineer to shape architectures for near-packaged and co-packaged optics, driving simulations and modeling for AI-scale interconnects. You will collaborate with PICs, EICs, and packaging teams to ensure high-performance system design, translating complex requirements into actionable specifications.

The role requires a Master’s in a related field and strong Python proficiency, with PhD as a plus.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering required.
• PhD in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Experience in simulation, measurement, or system architecture for high-speed interconnects.

Responsibilities

• 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 for end-to-end performance validation.
• Correlate simulated and measured data to refine internal models.
• Advance Python-based link simulation tools.
• Collaborate across PICs, EICs, packaging, and other groups to optimize system design.
• Present system insights and results to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Python programming

High-speed photonics

Signal integrity

Optical system design

IMDD transceiver design

Education

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

PhD in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

VNAs

BERTs

Oscilloscopes

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.

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.

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.

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.