Senior Optical Engineer

Ciena Corporation; Piscataway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 133,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical plans

dental plans

vision plans

participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

company-paid holidays

paid sick leave

vacation time

Paid Family Leave

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a senior optical/instrumentation engineer in New Jersey to advance Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) solutions. You will work with a world-class team, bring up and test high-speed modules, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

You will use cutting-edge lab equipment to characterize DSP-based systems, collaborate with multiple disciplines, and contribute to documentation as requirements evolve.

Qualifications

• 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 characterizing DSP-based high-speed optical systems.
• Experience with state-of-the-art optical and high-speed electronic test and measurement equipment.
• Strong verbal, written communication, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside a world-class team of opto-electronic industry experts.
• Bring up, characterize, and test dense 200G/400G PAM-4 optical modules for ML/AI apps.
• Characterize high-speed analog ICs and configure DSP-based SerDes to interface with modules.
• Assess module standards compliance (IEEE Ethernet, OIF CEI, PCIe Gen6/7) to specs.
• Develop test benches and production testing specifications.
• Perform system-level tests with ML/AI, datacom, and telecom manufacturers.
• Identify hardware issues and collaborate with optics, high-speed electronics, packaging teams.
• Analyze measurement results to guide design teams during product definition and debug.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a highly interdisciplinary environment.

Skills

Lab experience

Communication skills

DSP-based optics

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. in Applied Physics/EE

Tools

ADS simulations

Python (pandas/numpy)

High-speed test equipment

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 Range: $133,100 - $212,500 USD 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.

Benefits

• medical plans
• dental plans
• 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
• vacation time
• Paid Family Leave

We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

Equal Opportunity

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.