It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
Lumentum Canada was awarded the 2022 National Capital Region’s Top Employers for the 6th consecutive year and the 2022 Career Directory Canada’s Best Employers for Recent Graduates for the 5th consecutive year.
Position Title: Optical Design Engineer
Employment Type: Full-time, Existing vacancy
Location: Ottawa
About Lumentum
At Lumentum, we’re building the tech behind the world’s fastest networks and most advanced systems. Our optical and photonic solutions power everything from AI and cloud computing to data centers, telecom, and advanced manufacturing.
We’re a global team of innovators working where light meets technology, solving big challenges that keep the world connected and moving forward. If shaping the future of connectivity excites you, you’ll fit right in.
Why You’ll Love This Role
At Lumentum, we are searching for Canada’s brightest young minds engineers and innovators who want to build the next generation of optical technology. If you are driven by curiosity, eager to solve real-world challenges, and excited about developing groundbreaking optical systems, this is your opportunity.
Join us in designing the future of optical cloud & networking technology our advanced photonic modules power the world’s voice and internet traffic, and we need your expertise to take them to the next level. This is not just another job; this is your chance to define & design what’s next in photonics.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Innovate: Design and develop cutting-edge free-space optical devices, including Optical Circuit Switch (OCS), Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS), Optical Channel Monitors (OCM), and Optical Amplifiers.
- Solve Complex Problems: Work on precision optical alignment strategies for passive and active systems, contributing to the seamless integration of optics, LCOS, MEMS, and micro-optics.
- Bring Designs to Life: Collaborate with mechanical, automation, calibration, and manufacturing teams to take designs from concept to production.
- Experiment & Optimize: Conduct hands-on laser alignment, optical testing, and system validation, refining designs for manufacturability and reliability.
- Simulate & Automate: Develop and refine optical models using Ansys Zemax OpticStudio and numerical simulations to optimize performance and reduce design cycles.
- Learn, Evolve, & Lead: Stay ahead of the curve in optical design, system integration, and emerging technologies—because at Lumentum, we never stop learning.
What We’re Looking For
Education:
Recent Master’s or PhD graduate in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Engineering Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
Experience:
The ideal candidate will have:
- 2- 4 years of industry or academic experience in free-space optics and laser development, including design, alignment, and characterization..
Skills:
- Problem-solvers at heart - thrive on taking complex challenges and structuring solutions that work in the real world.
- Passionate about Optical Technology - you understand optical fundamentals (Gaussian beam propagation, polarization, diffraction, aberrations) and want to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
- Hands-on experience with free-space optics, laser alignment, and optical experimentation.
- Proficient in optical simulation tools (Zemax OpticStudio preferred) and programming (C# and/or Python) to enhance optical design and data analysis.
- Detail-driven & execution-focused - you take pride in ensuring solutions are precise, manufacturable, and production-ready.
- A team player & adaptable thinker - you thrive in fast-paced, cross-functional teams and love tackling new challenges every day.
Perks You’ll Love
- Flexible time off
- Health and wellness benefits (physical and mental)
- Tuition reimbursement and career growth support
- A workplace built for you: free gym, games room, prayer room
- Subsidized meals, free coffee/tea
- Employee stock options and incentive plans
- A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture
Salary Range: $84,650 - $114,550 CAD (flexible).
Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications. In line with our commitment to being a great place to work, Lumentum offers competitive total rewards which may include annual bonus, equity, and comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
Join a Team That’s Shaping the Future
At Lumentum, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a launchpad for creativity and innovation. We’re committed to celebrating your unique talents and helping you grow. Our guiding principles—Innovate, Engage, Deliver, Excel, and Win—aren’t just words; they’re the heart of what we do.
Let’s Build a Brighter Future Together!
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Your uniqueness makes us stronger, sparks creativity, and drives our success.
Please contact us at [email protected] to request accommodation.
Skills Required
- Recent Master's or PhD graduate in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Engineering Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field
- 2-4 years of industry or academic experience in free-space optics and laser development
- Hands-on experience with free-space optics, laser alignment, and optical experimentation
- Proficient in optical simulation tools and programming
Lumentum Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Lumentum and has not been reviewed or approved by Lumentum.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity is positioned as a meaningful part of total compensation, with RSUs frequently framed as a valued component of offers. An employee stock purchase plan with a discount and look-back further reinforces equity access as part of rewards.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are presented as a clear strength, with a 401(k) match and immediate vesting highlighted as supportive features. Auto-enrollment and match eligibility details indicate a structured retirement program for U.S. employees.
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Healthcare Strength — Multiple medical plan options are described, including PPO and HDHP/HSA choices and Kaiser in some locations, suggesting breadth and choice in coverage. Health and well-being programming is also characterized as part of a comprehensive benefits approach.
Lumentum Insights
What We Do
Lumentum (NASDAQ: LITE) is a market-leading designer and manufacturer of innovative optical and photonic products enabling optical networking and laser applications worldwide. Lumentum optical components and subsystems are part of virtually every type of telecom, enterprise, and data center network. Lumentum lasers enable advanced manufacturing techniques and diverse applications including next-generation 3D sensing capabilities. Lumentum is headquartered in San Jose, California with R&D, manufacturing, and sales offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.lumentum.com.







