Optical System Architect
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Before you apply
Salary$118k – $188k
LocationNew Providence - NJ
Typefull-time
SeniorityLead
EquityIncluded
Company size10,000+ people
First seenSep 11, 2026 · 1mo ago
Verified live2d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Master’s degree in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering
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
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
Skills
Python
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Employee stock purchase program
Employee assistance program
Paid holidays
Paid sick leave
Paid vacation
About the company
As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being—on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.
About the role
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 in New Jersey is $131,500 - $210,100 USD.
Benefits
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.
Legal
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.