Hardware Systems Architect (Optical Networking)

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.

As a System Architect within Ciena’s Optical Networks Systems Architecture team, this role drives the architecture, validation, and evolution of next-generation coherent optical networking platforms. The position influences product direction from concept definition through deployment by integrating optical, electrical, software, and networking technologies. Contributions directly support solutions used by service providers, cloud providers, and network operators worldwide.

How you will make an impact:

Architect coherent optical line card solutions, including requirements definition, functional partitioning, and system-level modeling across optical, electrical, and control subsystems.

Define architectural requirements for optical protection methods and coherent modem-based systems, including performance expectations, signal flows, control integration, and interoperability constraints.

Lead evaluations of high-speed hardware architectures involving 400/800/1600GE+ connectivity standards, SerDes technologies, pluggable optics, and backplane or fabric integration.

Define system-level interactions across hardware, firmware, software, and management interfaces while guiding key technical decisions throughout product development.

Guide system integration activities, including hardware characterization, modem performance validation, software bring-up, and interoperability testing.

Oversee end-to-end system-level validation that replicates customer use cases and investigate complex technical issues identified during bring-up and testing.

Produce technical documentation, present architectural content, and collaborate across engineering, PLM, and field teams to resolve customer issues and align product direction.

The must haves:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.

Experience: 10+ years of hardware, system design, or system support experience in optical networking or related high-speed technologies.

Demonstrated experience defining system architectures and driving technical decisions across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Application of coherent optical systems and line card architecture in product development environments.

Background in optical protection architectures and high-speed signal integrity.

Application of networking protocols, including Ethernet (400/800/1600GE+) and OTN.

Utilization of synchronization technologies, including PTP and SyncE, with analytical and communication skills applied in engineering environments.

Pay Range: The annual salary range for this position is $89,400 - $142,800 CAD.

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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.