Senior Optical Engineer

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 Ciena’s xPO Systems team and help drive next-generation optical interconnect innovation for AI-scale systems. In this role, you will shape the development of emerging Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) solutions, ensuring industry-leading performance across integrated photonics, packaging, and system-level design.

How You Will Make An Impact
As part of our team, you will:

- Work alongside a world-class team of renowned opto-electronic industry experts.

- Use state-of-the-art high-speed opto-electronic lab equipment to bring up, characterize, and test the world’s densest 200G and 400G PAM-4 optical modules for ML/AI applications.

- Characterize high-speed, high-density analog ICs and configure advanced DSP-based SerDes from major vendors to interface with our modules.

- Assess module standards compliance (e.g., IEEE Ethernet, OIF CEI, PCIe Gen6/7) and customer specifications. Develop test benches and specifications for production testing.

- Perform system-level tests at leading ML/AI, datacom, and telecom system manufacturers and operators.

- Identify hardware issues and collaborate with teams specializing in integrated optics, high-speed electronics, and opto-electronic packaging to drive resolutions.

- Analyze and interpret measurement results to guide design teams during product definition, design, and debug.

- Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams in a highly interdisciplinary, technically advanced environment.

- Contribute to documentation and update content as requirements evolve.

The Must Haves:

- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent practical experience.

- 5+ years of proven hands-on laboratory experience setting up and experimentally characterizing DSP-based high-speed optical communication systems.

- Proven experience using state-of-the-art optical and high-speed electronic test and measurement equipment.

- Strong verbal, written communication, and documentation skills

Nice To Haves:

- Experience with Python tools for scientific computing and lab automation (e.g., pandas, numpy).

- Experience with ADS simulations.

- Knowledge of high-speed optical Ethernet (200G, 400G) and PCIe Gen6/7.

Pay Range: The annual salary range for this position in New Jersey is $146,800 - $234,400 USD.

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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.