Senior Optical Engineer

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.

We are seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to provide technical leadership for the evaluation, qualification, and lifecycle management of optical technologies used across Ciena's photonic line systems. This role focuses on assessing supplier-driven changes, reviewing technical specifications, leading qualification programs, and ensuring the long-term performance, reliability, and availability of critical optical subsystems.

The successful candidate will possess a strong foundation in optical networking technologies and will become a key technical contributor supporting optical subsystems including Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS), Optical Channel Monitors (OCM), amplifier technologies, and optical transceivers. Working closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams, you will drive technical assessments, qualification strategies, and lifecycle decisions that support Ciena's product portfolio.

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Act as the technical owner for optical technologies including: Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS), Optical Channel Monitors (OCM), EDFA and Raman amplifier technologies, Optical transceivers and related photonic subsystems
• Work with internal technology experts and suppliers to evaluate new technologies, review specifications, assess performance, and support product lifecycle decisions.
• Review supplier specifications, qualification reports, reliability data, and technical documentation.
• Lead Product Change Notification (PCN) evaluations and assess the impact of supplier changes on product performance, reliability, manufacturability, and deployed systems.
• Develop qualification strategies, validation plans, and acceptance criteria for new optical technologies, alternate suppliers, and component changes.
• Design and execute laboratory validation activities to characterize optical performance and verify compliance with system requirements.
• Support supplier issue resolution, technology roadmap discussions, and continuous product improvement activities.
• Drive second-source qualification, obsolescence management, and long-term lifecycle planning.
• Analyze field performance data and support root cause investigations involving optical technologies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, development, and service teams to successfully introduce and support optical technologies throughout the product lifecycle.
• Present technical recommendations, risk assessments, and qualification results to engineering leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: 8+ years of industry experience in optical networking, photonic systems, optical hardware, or related technologies.
• Strong foundation in optical networking technologies with experience in one or more of the following: Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS), Optical Channel Monitors (OCM), EDFA and Raman amplification technologies, Optical transceivers, DWDM and optical transport systems
• Experience reviewing technical specifications, qualification results, and supplier documentation.
• Experience developing and executing qualification or validation programs.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause investigation skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with optical component and subsystem suppliers on qualification, issue resolution, or technology development activities.
• Experience with optical laboratory characterization and performance testing.
• Experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for test automation and data analysis.
• Familiarity with reliability engineering, accelerated life testing, and statistical analysis techniques.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: C$ 94,100 - C$ 150,300 per year

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.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

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.