Optical System Architect

Ciena • New Providence, NJ

6d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• 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
• vacation time

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level