Product Engineer – Optical Systems

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 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.

Product / Process Engineer – Optical Systems

This role plays a critical part in bringing Ciena’s next‑generation optical platforms from design into high‑volume manufacturing. As a member of a highly skilled product and process engineering team, this position owns the qualification and manufacturing introduction of complex optical systems that enable high‑performance networking solutions. The work directly influences product quality, cost efficiency, and time‑to‑market while partnering closely with design engineering, supply chain, and global manufacturing partners.

How you will make an impact:

• Lead the qualification and introduction of new Optical systems and components into manufacturing, ensuring alignment between design intent and production capability
• Provide technical assessments, manufacturability evaluations, and design recommendations for electronic and mechanical assemblies used in circuit packs and systems
• Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews, milestone readiness assessments, and continuous design improvements across development phases
• Own first‑piece evaluation builds and approvals, supporting prototype validation and production readiness
• Collaborate with design engineering, supply chain, and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) partners to enable clear‑to‑build execution
• Investigate manufacturing quality issues, implement corrective actions, and lead process and tooling improvements to enhance yield, reliability, and cost
• Support optical subsystem assessments and manufacturing improvements where applicable, contributing to overall system performance

The must haves:

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) for electromechanical subsystems in a manufacturing environment
• Hands‑on experience of fiber‑optic assembly processes, including splicing and optical component integration
• Experience supporting optical or electro‑optic transmission and communication systems
• Expertise in electronics and mechanical design manufacturability, including Design for Manufacturing (DFM) assessments
• Proven ability to manage multiple development programs simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to interface effectively with global partners and suppliers
• Proven ability to work effectively in a global, cross-functional environment
• Experience working directly with contract manufacturers and suppliers to drive quality and production readiness

Nice to haves:

• Hands‑on knowledge of electronic manufacturing processes such as printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, soldering processes, and component integration
• Familiarity with prototype bring‑up, system testing, and manufacturing troubleshooting
• Knowledge of industry standards and best practices for electronics manufacturing and assembly
• Experience using engineering and lifecycle management tools such as Agile, and Microsoft Office

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.