Photonics Test Engineer - Onsite 3 DAW in Ottawa

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

This is a unique opportunity to enhance your skills in software, hardware, and the physics of photonic chips. We seek a Photonics Test Engineer with 3-5 years of industry experience to develop solutions involving test algorithms and the software control of test hardware. The successful candidate will design, develop, and implement test software for photonic chips, including modulators, semiconductor optical amplifiers, and laser diodes. Responsibilities also include analysis, deployment support, and continuous improvement of production testing at an Asian manufacturing center. Traveling occasionally to Asia for up to three weeks is an asset.

While we recognize that candidates may not possess all the required skills, we seek a smart, enthusiastic engineer with a solid foundational background and a willingness to learn on the job. The primary initial requirements are implementing algorithms with high-quality, maintainable code in a hardware-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain Microsoft Visual Studio C# software to control hardware and automate analysis on R&D and production test robots and instruments. This includes test instrumentation (e.g., Keithley source meters), motion control actuators for probing and active micro-optical alignment and a proprietary machine vision system.
• Conduct code reviews and provided feedback on code maintainability for other team members.
• Manage multiple test software feature branches contributed by various team members using Git-based software version control and tracking.
• Prepare test software for release to production, including merging feature branches and resolving conflicts.
• Collaborate with other teams to develop new test software features or address bugs.
• Develop and maintain test documentation related to test software and new releases.
• Analyze test algorithms for test time, memory usage, stability, and corner cases.
• Troubleshoot issues and provide technical support to other teams, on-site in Ottawa or remotely in Asia.

Must Haves:

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering physics, or a related field; a graduate degree is considered an asset.
• Industrial experience in photonics testing.
• Proficient in C# or Python programming, focusing on application development and long-term software maintainability.
• Familiarity with Git-based code management (e.g., Bitbucket) and software versioning.
• Experience in agile software development using ticket-based systems for bug tracking, feature requests, Kanban boards, or scrum methodologies.
• Understanding of user interface development for desktop applications, specifically .NET-based (Windows Forms, WPF, or UWP).
• Experience in automating electrical test/optical equipment (e.g., current/voltage source meters).
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Knowledge of SQL databases is a plus.
• Knowledge of photonics components and systems (e.g., modulators, lasers, detectors, optical fibers) is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits 

The annual pay range for this position is $71, 600 - $114, 400 USD.
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.

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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.

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