Senior Optical System Designer (Photonic Line Systems) at Ciena, Ottawa
Job Description
Ciena is hiring a senior optical system designer in Ottawa for the team that defines photonic system features, architectures and control strategies for its optical networking platforms. The designer architects new hardware configurations and features, writes product specification agreements, works with product line managers on customer requirements, supports customer demonstrations, helps with escalated field issues, and mentors junior staff.
At a glance
- Role: Senior Optical System Designer (R031172)
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Posted: 24 August 2026
- Pay: CAD 94,100 to 150,300
- Apply: open until filled (re-checked 13 October 2026)
About the optical system design role
- Architect optical solutions and features that improve performance, robustness and ease of use
- Write product specification agreements for new features
- Clarify and negotiate customer requirements with product line managers
- Support customer demonstrations and complex field investigations
- Mentor junior team members
Who the role works with
The posting describes a varied role that influences product verification, hardware and software design teams, product line management, product support and the teams building higher-level applications such as network management and planning tools.
What Ciena is looking for
- Deep understanding of fibre-optic communication systems, optical propagation and impairments
- Optical link budgeting for new designs
- Leading root-cause investigations across teams
- Strong communication and teamwork
- Familiarity with YANG data models and NBI
Nice to have
- Ciena RLS photonic platforms
- Network or optical planning tools
- Control loop design
Pay and location
Ciena lists an annual salary range of CAD 94,100 to 150,300, 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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Hiring institution: Ciena
Official advertisement: ciena.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com
How to prepare for this application
- Impairments: revise nonlinear effects, ASE noise and PDL in line systems.
- Specs: bring an example of a requirements document you wrote.
- Field issues: prepare a root-cause story from a deployed network.
- Control loops: know how amplifier and power control loops work.
About Ciena
Ciena builds high-speed optical networking systems used by telecom operators and data centre companies worldwide, with large engineering centres in Ottawa and the USA.
