Verification and Field Application Engineer - Hybrid, 3 DAW on site in Alpharetta

Ciena Corporation; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a Verification and Field Application Engineer to drive test strategies and execution for WaveLogic Optical Modem, with a strong focus on Python automation and lab validation. The role includes field support, customer demos, and collaboration with R&D and PLM to ensure product quality.

The candidate will work in a hybrid setup in Alpharetta, combining lab-based verification with customer-facing activities, and must have 5–10 years of related experience and a background in

Qualifications

• Must have 5–10 years in product verification, system test, or field/app engineering.
• Experience in both manual and automated testing with system-level validation.
• Proficient in Python-based test automation and debugging automation scripts.

Responsibilities

• Develop test strategies, plans, and execution for WaveLogic Optical Modem.
• Perform manual and automated tests for optical modem, networking, and telecom features.
• Build and maintain lab test environments for validation activities.
• Execute validation test cases, analyze results, and report defects.
• Develop and maintain Python automation test cases to improve coverage and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot automation, lab issues, and customer-reported defects; reproduce issues for engineering.

Skills

Python automation

Manual testing

Lab validation

CI/CD

Troubleshooting

Customer support

Scripting

Test automation

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Optical Communications

Tools

CLI

JSON

SDKs

APIs

Job description

## Verification and Field Application Engineer - Hybrid, 3 DAW on site in AlpharettaPostulerlocations: Atlantatime type: Full timeposted on: Publié aujourd'huijob requisition id: R031409As 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.## The Verification and Field Application Engineer will be responsible for driving test strategies, test plans, and test execution for Ciena’s WaveLogic Optical Modem. Additionally, the candidate will support field activities and frequently interact with customers, PLM, and R&D.Looking for a Verification and Field Application Engineer to support our client's WaveLogic Optical Modem products, focused on developing and executing test strategies, plans, and validation activities. This role includes a mix of manual and automated testing, with a strong emphasis on customer use cases, system-level validation, Python-based automation, troubleshooting, and field/customer support. The engineer will work closely with R&D, PLM, subject matter experts, and customers to validate product capabilities, reproduce and resolve issues, support demos, and continuously improve both the product and overall test environment.**Daily tasks:*** Develop comprehensive test strategies and test plans to validate customer use cases, product capabilities, and system-level behavior.* Perform both **manual testing and automated testing** for optical modem, networking, and telecom-related features.* Build and maintain lab test environments for validation activities, considering interactions across multiple product features and configurations.* Execute validation test cases, analyze results, document findings, and report defects clearly.* Develop, execute, debug, and maintain **Python automation test cases** to improve test coverage and execution efficiency.* Augment and improve existing automated test cases, test scripts, and automation frameworks.* Troubleshoot automation failures, lab issues, product behavior, and customer-reported defects.* Report defects and follow up with design/R&D teams through closure.* Summarize test metrics, communicate test results, and provide clear status updates to stakeholders.* Work closely with subject matter experts to ensure testing aligns with customer-focused solutions, product specifications, and expected system behavior.* Support customer lab activities, field issues, customer demos, and issue reproduction.* Participate in customer-facing discussions, including demos, technical support calls, issue reviews, and requirements clarification.* Review customer-reported issues and feedback with appropriate engineering teams to identify potential design improvements.* Use available tools, logs, CLI commands, APIs, SDKs, JSON interfaces, and lab equipment to configure, validate, and troubleshoot devices.* Evaluate and apply modern tools, including AI-assisted coding or automation tools, where appropriate, to improve testing efficiency and productivity.**Must haves*** 5–10 years of experience in product verification, system test, test automation, field application engineering, or customer support engineering.* Strong background in **manual testing**, **automation testing**, and system-level validation.* Experience creating and maintaining **Python-based test automation**.* Ability to write, execute, debug, and fix automation scripts.* Experience determining what should be automated versus what should remain manual or exploratory testing.* Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.* Experience working in a lab environment with test equipment and physical system configurations.* Ability to investigate difficult or intermittent issues using logs, test data, automation output, CLI, and system behavior.* Knowledge of software testing methodologies, defect lifecycle, regression testing, and test best practices.* Familiarity with CLI, JSON, SDKs, APIs, and device configuration interfaces.* Experience with Jenkins CI/CD or other CI/CD platforms is a plus.* Strong commitment to product excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction.* Ability to understand customer use cases and translate them into practical test coverage.* Strong verbal and written communication skills.* Ability to communicate clearly with multi-site engineering teams, PLM, R&D, and customers.* Comfortable presenting technical information in customer demos, internal reviews, or support discussions.**Nice to haves*** Awareness of **OpenROADM** and **open optical networking** standards* Familiarity with **ROADM** architecture* Knowledge of **network topologies** (ring, mesh, point-to-point)* Familiarity with **optical amplification** (EDFA, Raman)* Experience with **optical spectrum analyzers (OSA)*** Experience with **optical power meters** and **light sources*** Knowledge of **BER testers (BERT)*** Familiarity with **constellation diagram analysis*** Understanding of **eye diagram** analysis and interpretation* Understanding of **coherent DSP (Digital Signal Processing)** concepts* Knowledge of **polarization effects** (PMD - Polarization Mode Dispersion, PDL - Polarization Dependent Loss)* Familiarity with **modulation formats** (QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM) and their tradeoffs* Understanding of **baud rate vs bit rate** concepts* Knowledge of **nonlinear optical effects** (SPM, XPM, FWM)* Understanding of **OSNR (Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio)** and its impact on signal quality* Knowledge of **BER (Bit Error Rate)** and **FEC (Forward Error Correction)** concepts* Familiarity with **WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing)** and **DWDM channel spacing** (50GHz, 100GHz grids)## ## Qualifications* Bachelors or Masters in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Optical Communications* Ability to travel domestically or internationally as required* **Must be eligible to obtain a US security clearance. Info on clearances can be found here:** **https://www.state.gov/security-clearance-faqs/#subjectbackgroundprofile****Compensation and Benefits**The annual pay range for this position is $100, 300 - $135, 000 USD. #LI-BS1Pay 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.