Senior Optical Engineer

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.

As a Senior Optical Engineer at Ciena Canada ULC, this role contributes to the design, analysis, and validation of advanced optical communication systems that enable next-generation networks. The position plays a critical role in delivering high-performance and reliable optical technologies that support global connectivity.

How you will make an impact:

• Provide Pre-sales support defining commercially viable end-to-end technical solutions for customers, handling RFPs and converting customers’ needs into detailed technical solutions and designs.
• Simulate complex optical systems, including transmitters, receivers, and link budgets, to meet defined performance requirements
• Analyze optical system performance using statistical data techniques to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and manufacturing teams
• Define optical test methodologies and evaluate results to validate field trial system performance
• Communicate with Sales Engineers and Account Primes to obtain all relevant details of customer network and application requirements
• Develop link engineering planning material for use by sales engineers
• You will mentor junior and new in career engineers

The must haves:

• Education: Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics OR Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics
• Have a desire to lead and mentor
• Experience utilizing AI models to improve efficiency
• Experience leading technical studies, drawing and supporting conclusions, presenting results internally and externally.

Nice to haves:

• Experience: Proven experience in designing optical communication systems within telecommunications or data communications environments
• Demonstrated collaboration across cross-functional engineering

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Pay Range:

The annual pay range for this position is C$94,100 - C$150,300. 

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.