Hardware Systems Architect (Optical Networking)

Ciena
Ottawa
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeCAD 89,400 - 142,800 annuallyFunction: Software EngineeringExperience: 10+ yearsEducation: bachelorsSkills: ["Collaboration","Analytical and communication skills","Technical documentation","Interoperability-focused problem solving"]

Architect and evolve next-generation coherent optical networking platform solutions. Own coherent optical line card architecture from requirements and system-level modeling through integration and validation. Define performance, protection methods, signal flows, and interoperability constraints across optical, electrical, control, firmware, software, and management interfaces. Lead evaluations of high-speed hardware (400/800/1600GE+), drive bring-up and interoperability testing, and communicate architecture through documentation and cross-team collaboration.

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FursaFursa
Ciena
Ciena
2 days ago

Hardware Systems Architect (Optical Networking)

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Last checked: 2 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Architect and evolve next-generation coherent optical networking platform solutions. Own coherent optical line card architecture from requirements and system-level modeling through integration and validation. Define performance, protection methods, signal flows, and interoperability constraints across optical, electrical, control, firmware, software, and management interfaces. Lead evaluations of high-speed hardware (400/800/1600GE+), drive bring-up and interoperability testing, and communicate architecture through documentation and cross-team collaboration.
Location: Ottawa
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Software Engineering
Seniority: Mid level

Key Responsibilities

  • •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 for 400/800/1600GE+ connectivity using SerDes, pluggable optics, and backplane/fabric integration.
  • •Define system-level interactions across hardware, firmware, software, and management interfaces while guiding key technical decisions during product development.
  • •Oversee end-to-end system-level validation and investigate technical issues from hardware characterization, modem performance validation, software bring-up, and interoperability testing.

Pay and Benefits

Salary: CAD 89,400 - 142,800 annually
Perks:MedicalDentalVision401kEsppPaid LeavePaid HolidaysMedical PlansCompany MatchingEmployee Assistance

Key Requirements

  • •Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.
  • •10+ years of hardware, system design, or system support experience in optical networking or related high-speed technologies.
  • •Define system architectures and drive technical decisions across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • •Hands-on application of coherent optical systems and line card architecture in product development environments.
  • •Knowledge of optical protection architectures and high-speed signal integrity, including Ethernet (400/800/1600GE+) and OTN, plus synchronization (PTP, SyncE).
Experience:10+ yearsOptical networkingHigh-speed technologiesCoherent optical systems
Education:Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
Skills:CollaborationAnalytical and communication skillsTechnical documentationInteroperability-focused problem solving
Tech Stack:Coherent optical networkingOptical line card solutionsOptical protection methodsCoherent modem-based systems400/800/1600GE+SerDes technologiesPluggable opticsBackplane or fabric integrationFirmwareSoftware bring-upInteroperability testingEthernetOTNPTPSyncESynchronization technologiesManagement interfacesSignal flowsSystem-level modeling

Company Brief

Ciena
Provides networking systems, software, and services that enable service providers, cloud operators, and enterprises to deliver high-capacity connectivity and adaptive network solutions worldwide.
Industry: Networking Equipment
Company Size: Enterprise (1,001+ employees)
Revenue: USD 1B+
Growth: Public Company
Valuation: Public Company (Market Cap in USD)
Funding: IPO / Publicly Listed
Headquarters: Hanover, United States
Founded: 1992
Glassdoor
Glassdoor: 3.8
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