Optical System Architect (Co-Packaged and Near-Packaged Optics) at Ciena, New Providence, New Jersey

Job Description

Ciena’s xPO System Architecture and Simulation team is hiring an optical system architect in New Providence, New Jersey, to shape near-packaged (NPO) and co-packaged optics (CPO) interconnects for AI-scale systems. The architect defines product architectures, turns system requirements into component specifications, leads end-to-end link modelling and simulation, correlates simulation with measurements, and extends Ciena’s Python link simulation tools.

At a glance

• Role: Optical System Architect (R030379)
• Location: New Providence, New Jersey, USA
• Posted: 6 July 2026
• Pay: $117,800 to $188,200
• Apply: open until filled (re-checked 13 October 2026)

About the architect role

• Define architectures for current and future xPO interconnect products
• Translate system requirements into subcomponent specifications
• Lead system-level modelling and simulation for end-to-end validation
• Correlate simulated and measured data to refine models
• Advance in-house Python link simulation tools
• Work across PIC, EIC and packaging groups and present results

Why co-packaged optics

AI clusters need far more bandwidth between chips than copper links can carry over useful distances at acceptable power. Near-packaged and co-packaged optics move the optical engine next to or inside the processor package, and the xPO team at Ciena models how photonic chips, electronic chips and packaging together set the performance of those links. The posting notes that the pay range applies to the primary location listed.

What Ciena is looking for

• A master’s or higher in optics/photonics, physics or electrical engineering with industry experience in simulation, measurement or architecture
• High-speed photonics and optical system design, especially integrated photonics
• Signal integrity and IM/DD transceiver design
• Python programming
• Clear communication of complex findings

Nice to have

• A PhD
• IEEE and OIF standards
• SI and PI analysis
• DSP and numerical analysis
• Silicon photonics
• VNAs, BERTs and oscilloscopes

Pay and location

Ciena lists an annual pay range of $117,800 to $188,200 for the primary location, plus possible bonus and benefits.

How to apply

Apply through the official Ciena job posting. Ciena’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 13 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.

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