Optical Systems Designer

Location: Ottawa

Time Type: Full time

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 Agile Programmable Optical Transport Research & Development (R&D) team and help shape the future of global connectivity. This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of photonics, modeling, and network design—supporting our customers’ most advanced metro, terrestrial, and subsea networks. Your work will directly influence how Ciena delivers world‑leading optical transport solutions and wins business across the globe by designing the most recent and next generation Ciena equipment.

How You Will Contribute

• Partner with Sales Engineers and Account Primes to gather detailed customer network and application requirements
• Apply proprietary models of Ciena equipment and fiber propagation to assess optical performance for current and next‑generation transport solutions in national and oceanic networks
• Develop cost‑optimized, high‑efficiency link designs for metro, long‑haul, and subsea networks
• Produce detailed optical design packages used in customer proposals and system deployments
• Create link engineering planning materials that support the sales engineering community
• Collaborate with peers across the Custom Link Engineering team to share insights and strengthen team effectiveness
• Engage with R&D groups responsible for the development of photonic models, tools, and methodologies

The Must Haves

• BSc or MSc in Engineering Physics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (+)
• Foundational understanding of the physical layer of optical networks
• Strong analytical skills and working knowledge of numerical methods
• Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis and processing using Python or MATLAB
• Effective collaboration skills and a commitment to high‑quality work
• Ability to communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing
• Interest in optics, photonics, and telecommunications technologies
• Practical knowledge of HTML5, JavaScript, or REST interfaces

Nice to Haves

• Experience modeling photonic systems or evaluating optical performance
• Knowledge of optical modulation formats or ultra‑high‑speed transceivers
• Familiarity with fiber types, fiber propagation effects, or wavelength‑division multiplexing (WDM)
• Exposure to optical network planning or transport‑layer design
• Prior work in an R&D, product development, or systems engineering environment
• Experience supporting customer‑facing engineering teams
• Understanding of large‑scale or oceanic network architectures
• Competency in developing and maintaining scripts or automation tools for data analysis, processing, and workflow optimization

Pay Range: The annual salary range is $74,200 - $118,600 CAD.

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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.