As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.
Step into the cutting-edge world of silicon photonics with Ciena. As a Silicon Photonics Design Engineer, you will be part of a team pushing the boundaries of optical technologies, developing innovative solutions for next-generation high-speed optical networks. You will leverage your expertise to design, simulate, and validate photonic devices, focusing on performance, reliability, and manufacturability for modulator devices.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Design & Optimization: Design and optimize photonic integrated circuits (PICs), specifically high-speed modulators.
- Simulation: Conduct advanced simulations of modulator devices using specialized software tools to predict performance and reliability.
- Data Analysis: Analyze and interpret experimental results, correlating hardware data with theoretical models.
- Collaboration: Partner with wafer fabrication vendors to ensure design feasibility and cross-functional teams to integrate designs into broader systems.
- Testing: Develop and implement DC and RF test plans for both active and passive photonic devices.
- Documentation: Document design decisions and communicate technical advancements to stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering; OR an M.Sc. in a related field with 5+ years of direct industry experience in silicon photonics.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in photonic device design and hardware validation.
- Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated experience in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design, covering both active and passive components.
- Tool Proficiency: Professional experience using simulation tools for optical, optoelectronic, or RF applications (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, or Ansys).
- Testing Skills: Practical experience with DC and RF test methods for photonic component characterization.
- Fabrication: Hands-on experience with semiconductor fabrication processes.
Preferred Qualifications
- Specialized Design: Experience specifically focused on the design and optimization of high-speed silicon modulators.
- Advanced Materials: Knowledge of III-V material systems, TFLN, or BTO and their specific applications in photonics.
- Yield Optimization: Experience with statistical analysis and data interpretation for manufacturing yield improvement.
- Automation: Strong programming skills in Python for simulation automation and large-scale data analysis.
- Partnership: Ability to collaborate with academic and industry R&D partners on emerging photonic technologies.
Pay Range: The salary range for this position if hired in New Jersey is $133,100 - $212,500 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.
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.
Skills Required
- Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, or a related discipline, or M.Sc. with proven work experience in silicon photonics
- 5+ years of experience in photonic device design and validation
- Solid knowledge of photonic integrated circuit design, including active and passive components
- Proficiency in simulation tools for optical, optoelectronic, or RF applications
- Hands-on experience with semiconductor fabrication processes and characterization techniques for photonic devices
Ciena Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Ciena and has not been reviewed or approved by Ciena.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is often characterized as competitive or above-market in certain roles and regions, with references to market-aligned salary ranges and transparency around pay bands.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is frequently framed as comprehensive, including medical, dental, and vision, with indications that coverage can extend to dependents and is viewed as a meaningful component of total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off offerings are described as flexible and generous, including Flex/uncapped PTO in many cases and additional paid time for volunteering.
Ciena Insights
What We Do
Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) is a global leader in networking systems, services, and software. We build the world’s most adaptive networks to enable our customers to deliver richer, more connected experiences for all users. At our core, Ciena is a company rooted in people. We prioritize deep, collaborative relationships within our teams and alongside our customers, partners, and communities around the world. For three-plus decades, we’ve brought our humanity to our relentless pursuit of innovation. We continue to lead the evolution of networking with a strong track record of industry firsts. As end-user expectations skyrocket, our customers and their networks must transform. Ciena powers this transformation by driving next-generation solutions built for maximum openness and agility—today and into the future. Corporate/Brand Values: • Customer First • Integrity • Velocity • Innovation • Outstanding People We're the perfect size for you to make an impact. W Only Ciena has the depth of expertise and the culture of collaboration and partnership required to help our partners evolve. We do this by strategically integrating hardware, services, and software in an open environment to ensure our clients’ networks are ‘fit for flexibility’ today and into the f
Why Work With Us
We are known for our industry-firsts, including the first coherent optical solution, converged packet-optical platform, and intelligence automation platform. Our commitment extends beyond innovation, logging in over 35,000 volunteer hours and $2 million to worthy causes in 2023. We're the perfect size and culture for you to make a difference.
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