Ciena

AI Application Developer

Ottawa Full time

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.

Are you passionate about leveraging AI to transform network management and automation?

Join Ciena’s dynamic software development team, where we specialize in cutting-edge technologies to enhance network performance, reliability, and automation. As a Machine Learning Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in designing and delivering AI-driven applications within the Navigator Network Control Suite, using AI/ML, statistical analysis, and advanced data science techniques to optimize operational workflows.
 

How You Will Contribute:

  • Develop and integrate AIOps solutions into the Navigator Network Control Suite, collaborating closely with data scientists, software engineers, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in the optical and networking domains.
  • Ingest, organize, and analyze large structured and unstructured network datasets to formulate hypotheses, extract actionable insights, and identify key problems to solve.
  • Train and validate AI/ML models tailored to Ciena’s product use cases, with a focus on time-series forecasting, root cause analysis, and anomaly detection.
  • Define and implement best practices for AI solution development, deployment, scalability, and reliability.
  • Conduct code reviews, testing, and debugging to ensure high-quality software delivery.
  • Stay updated with advancements in AI/ML, AIOps, Data Science, and related technologies to continuously improve solutions.

The Must Haves:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics.
  • 3+ years of experience in AI/ML Engineering, including production-deployed AI systems.
  • Expertise in machine learning algorithms (regression, clustering), Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), statistical modeling, time-series analysis, and anomaly detection.
  • Proficiency in machine learning frameworks (Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch) and handling/exploring large datasets using tools like Spark, Dask, DuckDB or efficient Pandas/NumPy workflows.
  • Experience with software development lifecycles, version control, and integrating ML models into production environments.
  • Ability to track and manage experiments at scale using MLOps tools (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow, Weights & Biases).
  • Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Grafana, Tableau).
  • Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or Java.
  • General familiarity with L0-L3 networking principles and data.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data findings into technical terms and bridge the gap between data science and domain expertise.
  • Exceptional problem-solving abilities, with a passion for continuous learning and innovation.
     

The Assets:

  • Experience with network management solutions and network protocols.
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Knowledge of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs).
  • Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in AI, Computer Science, or a related field.

The pay range for this role, in Canada, is: $93,900.00 - $150,100

#LI-JD

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.

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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.