Optical System Architect

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.

Join Ciena’s xPO System Architecture and Simulation team driving next-generation optical interconnect innovation for AI-scale systems. This role shapes the architecture 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:

• Define architectures for current and future xPO interconnect products
• Evaluate high-level system requirements and translate them into subcomponent specifications for engineering teams
• Lead system-level modeling and simulation efforts to enable end-to-end performance validation
• Correlate simulated and measured performance data to refine internal models
• Advance internally developed Python-based link simulation tools
• Collaborate across photonic integrated circuits (PICs), electrical integrated circuit (EICs), packaging, and other engineering groups to optimize system design
• Present system insights and results to internal and external stakeholders

The must haves:

• Master’s degree (+) in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with industry experience in simulation, measurement, or system architecture
• Knowledge of high-speed photonics and optical system design with emphasis on integrated photonics
• Understanding of signal integrity principles and intensity modulation/direct detection (IMDD) transceiver design
• Proficiency in Python programming
• Ability to synthesize complex technical findings into clear communication

Nice to haves:

• PhD in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering
• Familiarity with IEEE and Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) standards
• Experience with signal integrity and power integrity analysis
• Knowledge of digital signal processing and numerical analysis
• Background in silicon photonics
• Experience with high-speed test and measurement tools such as vector network analyzers (VNAs), bit-error-rate testers (BERTs), and oscilloscopes

Pay Range:

The annual pay range for this position is $117,800 - $188,200

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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.

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