Senior Designer

Ciena; New Jersey; On-site; USD 133,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

401(k) with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a Senior Designer focused on high-speed optical modulators for next-generation coherent systems. You will own modulator design decisions, drive RF/optical co-design, and shape device-level and PIC-level strategies. The role demands deep technical leadership and hands-on design contributions across RF, optical modeling, and packaging constraints.

Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and 5+ years in high-speed modulator technologies, with experience in

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering or related field.
• Five+ years in high-speed electro-optic modulators, thin-film lithium niobate, silicon photonics, or PIC technologies.
• Experience as technical lead in modulator/PIC design.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for heterogeneously integrated optical modulator PICs.
• Design related PIC functions (passive routing, couplers, splitters, polarization elements).
• Refine RF/optical/electro-optic models using measurement data.
• Provide senior technical guidance on design choices and direction.
• Collaborate across teams to account for system-level constraints and packaging.
• Over time, contribute to non-modulator PIC projects requiring deep device-design expertise.

Skills

Modulator physics

RF/optical co-design

High-speed measurement

HFSS/ADS

PIC modeling

Device design leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

HFSS

ADS

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.

Senior Designer focused on high-speed optical modulators for next-generation coherent systems. The primary need is deep technical ownership of modulator design-RF/optical co-design, modeling, layout, characterization, and design closure-while also allowing contribution to adjacent on-chip functions as project needs evolve.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for heterogeneously integrated optical modulator PICs targeting current and future coherent products
• Design or guide related PIC functions such as passive routing, couplers, splitters/combiners, polarization elements, monitors, crossings, and other non-modulation blocks
• Use measurement data to refine RF, optical, and electro-optic models and close the loop between simulation, layout, fabrication, and performance
• Act as the senior technical "guru" for modulator and PIC design choices, trade-offs, reviews, and design direction
• Collaborate across teams to ensure modulator designs account for system-level constraints, reliability, multi-chip integration requirements, packaging, and thermal considerations.
• Over time, shift to non-modulator PIC projects where deep device-design expertise is needed

Skills

• Expertise in electro-optic modulator physics, RF/optical co-design, traveling-wave electrodes, velocity/impedance matching, bandwidth optimization, and high-speed measurement
• Strong capability with EM/circuit simulation tools such as HFSS and/or ADS
• Strong capability with optical modeling methods such as FDTD, EME, eigenmode solvers
• Ability to build and calibrate compact models from simulation and measurement data
• Working knowledge of PIC materials, foundry processes, PDKs, layout rules, process monitors, and design-for-test/manufacturing
• Ability to move between detailed design, technical review, prototyping, characterization, and product-facing design closure
• Comfortable providing project leadership and reporting when needed, without losing focus on hands-on technical contribution

Experience

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering, engineering physics, applied physics, photonics, or related field
• Five or more years of relevant industry experience in high-speed electro-optic modulators, thin-film lithium niobate, silicon photonics, heterogeneous integration, or related PIC technologies

Salary Range: The annual salary range for this position is $133,100 - $212,500.

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 anEqual 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.