Verification and Field Application Engineer - New Grad

Ciena Corporation; Alpharetta (GA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

401(k) with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Paid time off and holidays

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Ciena Corporation is seeking a role focused on validating the WaveLogic Optical Modem through test planning, execution, automation, and customer-focused solution validation.

You will collaborate with customers, product management, and R&D to ensure high-quality optical networking solutions that meet market requirements. Lab and field activities support and continuous improvement are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Optical Communications.
• Internship, co-op, or project experience relevant to the role.
• Knowledge of coherent optical modem concepts and optical networks.
• Experience in a lab environment and with lab test equipment.
• Knowledge of Python and ability to write, execute and fix automation scripts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with troubleshooting proficiency.
• Leadership capabilities and team-oriented development aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive test plans to validate customer use-cases and product capabilities.
• Build test environments for execution while considering interactions across product features.
• Perform validation testing activities and document outcomes.
• Report defects and drive follow-up with design team through closure.
• Summarize test metrics and communicate results clearly to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with SMEs to validate customer-focused solutions and compliance with specs.
• Develop and augment automation test cases to improve execution efficiency.

Skills

Python automation

Lab testing

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Electrical Engineering or Optical Communications

Tools

Jenkins CI/CD

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. This opportunity focuses on validating Ciena’s WaveLogic Optical Modem through test planning, execution, automation, and customer-focused solution validation. The role contributes to product quality by collaborating with customers, product management, and R&D teams while supporting lab and field activities. Success in this role helps ensure high-quality optical networking solutions that meet customer and market requirements.

How you will make an impact:

• Develop comprehensive test plans to validate customer use-cases and product capabilities.
• Build test environments for execution while considering interactions across product features.
• Perform validation testing activities and document outcomes.
• Report defects and drive follow-up activities with the design team through closure.
• Summarize test metrics and communicate results clearly to stakeholders.
• Work closely with subject matter experts to validate customer-focused solutions, compliance to specifications, and issue resolution.
• Develop and augment automation test cases to improve execution efficiency.

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Optical Communications.
• Experience: Previous internship, co-op, or applied project experience relevant to the role.
• Knowledge with Coherent optical modem concepts and optical networks.
• Experience in a lab environment and with lab test equipment.
• Knowledge of automation languages such as Python and should be able to write, execute and fix automation scripts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in troubleshooting.
• Leadership capabilities and an aptitude for team-oriented development activities.

Nice to haves:

• Strong commitment to product excellence and quality, with ability to understand customers’ perspective.
• Communication skills, presentation, and public speaking.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate and collaborate in a multi-site environment.
• Knowledge of software testing methodologies and best practices.
• Understanding of IP and Ethernet networking concepts, including TCP/IP, routing, switching, and VLANs.
• Understanding of CLI, JSON, and SDKs and how to use them to effectively communicate with and configure devices.
• Knowledge of Jenkins CI/CD or other CI/CD platforms is a plus.

Pay Range: The annual pay range for this position is $60,800 to $97,200. 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 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.