Senior Photonic Hardware Engineer (On-Site, Ottawa ON)

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

How You Will Contribute:

Ciena's customers run many of the largest data communications and telecommunications networks in the world, connecting hundreds of millions of users and devices. The Photonic Hardware team is responsible for the entire lifecycle of hardware for Ciena’s Photonic Line systems from design, development, product introduction, and continual lifecycle management (LCM). Technologies of focus include Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers, Raman amplifiers, ROADMs, Wavelength-Selective Switches, Optical Channel Monitors, OTDR, etc.

Responsibilities of the position include investigation of new technologies, contributing to the development of new circuit packs from early design to product release, and helping manage the life cycle of these products. 

A key part of the role is to efficiently manage interactions with suppliers and collaborate with other functional teams within Ciena.

The position is based in Ottawa, Canada.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluating and helping drive new technologies in the Photonics space
• Contributing to product design, helping define specifications and technology choices
• Leading the development of new product releases
• Creating and maintaining General Specifications documents in response to system requirements
• Managing interactions with key suppliers
• Testing new products, verifying compliance with specifications, driving resolution of issues
• Providing technical support for field issues

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D. in engineering or a similar technical discipline (e.g. Physics)
• Significant work experience in R&D involving relevant optical technologies. Minimum industry experience required, excluding academic experience:
  • 3 years with Ph.D
  • 4 years with Masters
  • 6 years with Bachelors

Preferred Candidate Profile:

• Strong knowledge of technologies related to Photonic line systems (at least two of the following: wavelength selective switches, fiber Raman amplification, EDFAs, optical channel monitors, OTDR)
• Working knowledge of hardware and software design for photonic circuit packs.
• Significant experience with MATLAB and/or Python for physical modeling and simulation and/or lab automation is required.
• Prior experience in product development process, including design, validation, transfer to production
• Self motivated: manages own projects and works independently
• Able to multi-task
• Good communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills are essential.

Compensation and Benefits:

The annual pay range for this position is $90,800 - $145,000.

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community to get relevant job alerts straight to your inbox.
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.