Electro-Optics Hardware Designer

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.

Join the Coherent Receiver team and contribute to the integration, calibration, and verification of receiver optical-to-electrical modem subsystems within coherent optical networking products. This role collaborates with a multidisciplinary engineering team to advance electro-optic technologies in a research and development laboratory environment. The position focuses on modem subsystem testing, data analysis, factory procedure development, and continuous improvement of receiver performance.

How you will make an impact:

• Design, test, and verify receiver optical-to-electrical modem subsystems within coherent optical modem products.
• Collaborate with systems, test, ADC, DSP, PCB, firmware, production, and product engineers to integrate modem technologies.
• Develop Matlab code to calibrate and perform design verification testing for prototype and early production modem subsystems.
• Create, debug, improve, and optimise calibration and verification procedures within an existing Matlab codebase.
• Investigate receiver hardware and test station issues, develop instrumentation drivers and algorithms, and analyse manufacturing data to improve yield and throughput.
• Interpret wafer, device, and modem factory test data to identify subsystem issues and contribute to solutions.
• Write unit tests, follow test-driven design practices, maintain code standards, use Git (Bitbucket) for version control, and produce documentation.

The must haves:

• Education: An advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in the field of Engineering or Physics with some exposure to high-speed electro-optics, software, optical communications, and/or control systems.
• Familiarity with standard lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, network analyzers, power supplies, and spectrum analyzers.
• Experience coding in a language such as Matlab or Python for the purposes of simulation, test automation, and/or data analysis.
• Experience in data collection and statistical analysis.
• At least a basic working knowledge of photonic devices and systems.
• At least a basic working knowledge of software version control (Git).
• Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills; excellent written and verbal communication in English; assertiveness to drive design and test engineers; initiative, enthusiasm, and a good sense of humour.

Nice to haves:

• Knowledge of fiber optic communications and/or DSP theory.
• Hands-on experience in design, integration, and/or test of high-speed electro-optic components.
• Experience with electro-optic/RF test methods and equipment in a lab environment.
• Silicon photonics component design knowledge or experience.
• Knowledge of photodetector physics.
• Experience with statistical analysis of large datasets.

Pay Range: The annual salary range for this position is $96,600 - $154,400 CAD.

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.