We are seeking an Optical Systems Software Architect to define the software architecture and control strategy for next-generation DWDM optical transport systems. In this role, you will translate complex photonic system behavior into scalable, software-driven architectures. You will work across systems, software, and hardware teams to ensure robust, high-performance control of optical line systems in carrier-grade networks.
This role is full-time on-site in Ottawa and will require relocation to Ottawa.
What you'll do
- Define software architecture for Layer 0 control and management of optical transport systems (DWDM, ROADMs, line systems)
- Translate optical system requirements into software specifications, control models, and algorithms
- Define system behavior for optical power control, wavelength stability, and signal integrity
- Architect software-driven control loops for managing photonic components (lasers, VOAs, amplifiers, modulators)
- Collaborate with optical design teams to model and abstract physical-layer behavior into software systems
- Work closely with embedded/software teams to guide implementation and ensure architectural alignment
- Define interfaces for system control and observability (telemetry, alarms, performance monitoring)
- Contribute to fault, performance, and configuration management at Layer 0
- Support definition of protection and restoration strategies from a system behavior perspective
- Evaluate trade-offs between performance, scalability, cost, and operational complexity
- Drive alignment with industry standards (ITU-T, OpenROADM, OpenConfig, GMPLS)
- Produce clear architecture documentation, system models, and technical specifications
- Participate in cross-functional design reviews and technical decision-making
What you'll need to get the job done
- 5+ years of relevant experience
- Strong background in software/system architecture for telecom or embedded systems
- Experience working with or modeling optical transport systems (DWDM, ROADMs, transponders)
- Understanding of Layer 0 (physical optical layer) concepts: optical power, wavelength control, signal propagation
- Experience defining or implementing control loops and system-level algorithms
- Familiarity with distributed systems or embedded software architectures
- Experience translating complex physical or hardware behavior into software abstractions and models
- Knowledge of telecom management domains: fault, performance, and configuration management
- Familiarity with network data models and interfaces (YANG, OpenConfig, TAPI, etc.)
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across software, hardware, and systems teams
- Excellent communication and ability to drive technical alignment
What will make us REALLY love you
- Experience architecting software for photonic or optical control systems
- Background in control theory, signal processing, or system modeling
- Experience with large-scale optical deployments or carrier-grade systems
- Familiarity with AI/ML approaches for optical performance optimization
- Proven technical leadership across multi-disciplinary engineering teams
Top Skills
What We Do
Syntronic is a engineering design house specializing in the design and development of electronics, electro-mechanics, embedded and IT software. As an established engineering design house, we provide valuable contribution to your product and test development as well as help you achieve the desired product time-to-market cost-effectively. We also offer solutions where we undertake turn-key responsibility of product development and system integration from idea to complete system delivery. We adopt the latest technologies in electronics design and software development worldwide. Among our customers and partners are some of the world’s most technique-intensive businesses and organizations in sectors such as telecommunication, automotive, industrial and medtech. In designing to satisfy customers’ needs, we focus on quality, competence and ease of production.
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