Senior Optical Engineer

Ciena; New Providence (NJ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(K) with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Paid sick leave and vacation time

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a skilled professional to drive innovation in optical interconnects. Joining the xPO Systems team means helping shape the future of optical communication systems vital for AI applications. The role involves hands-on laboratory work, testing high-speed optical modules, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Candidates should have extensive experience in electrical engineering, specifically with DSP-based optical systems. A commitment to fostering a flexible work environment is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on lab experience in high-speed optical systems.
• Proven experience with advanced test and measurement equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Shape development of Near-Packaged and Co-Packaged Optics solutions.
• Conduct system-level tests for ML/AI applications.
• Analyze and interpret measurement results for product design.

Skills

Laboratory experience with DSP-based optical communication systems

Strong communication skills

Experience with scientific computing tools

Education

Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics

Tools

Optical and high-speed electronic test equipment

Python programming

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 Systems team and help drive next-generation optical interconnect innovation for AI-scale systems. In this role, you will shape the development 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

• Work alongside a world-class team of renowned opto-electronic industry experts.
• Use state-of-the-art high-speed opto-electronic lab equipment to bring up, characterize, and test the world's densest 200G and 400G PAM-4 optical modules for ML/AI applications.
• Characterize high-speed, high-density analog ICs and configure advanced DSP-based SerDes from major vendors to interface with our modules.
• Assess module standards compliance (e.g., IEEE Ethernet, OIF CEI, PCIe Gen6/7) and customer specifications. Develop test benches and specifications for production testing.
• Perform system-level tests at leading ML/AI, datacom, and telecom system manufacturers and operators.
• Identify hardware issues and collaborate with teams specializing in integrated optics, high-speed electronics, and opto-electronic packaging to drive resolutions.
• Analyze and interpret measurement results to guide design teams during product definition, design, and debug.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams in a highly interdisciplinary, technically advanced environment.
• Contribute to documentation and update content as requirements evolve.

The Must Haves

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of proven hands‑on laboratory experience setting up and experimentally characterizing DSP-based high-speed optical communication systems.
• Proven experience using state-of-the‑art optical and high‑speed electronic test and measurement equipment.
• Strong verbal, written communication, and documentation skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Python tools for scientific computing and lab automation (e.g., pandas, numpy).
• Experience with ADS simulations.
• Knowledge of high-speed optical Ethernet (200G, 400G) and PCIe Gen6/7.

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.