Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work workplace 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. As a System Architect within Ciena's Optical Networks Systems Architecture team, this role drives the architecture, validation, and evolution of next-generation coherent optical networking platforms.

The position influences product direction from concept definition through deployment by integrating optical, electrical, software, and networking technologies. Contributions directly support solutions used by service providers, cloud providers, and network operators worldwide. Architect coherent optical line card solutions, including requirements definition, functional partitioning, and system-level modeling across optical, electrical, and control subsystems.

Define architectural requirements for optical protection methods and coherent modem-based systems, including performance expectations, signal flows, control integration, and interoperability constraints. Define system-level interactions across hardware, firmware, software, and management interfaces while guiding key technical decisions throughout product development. Guide system integration activities, including hardware characterization, modem performance validation, software bring-up, and interoperability testing.





Oversee end-to-end system-level validation that replicates customer use cases and investigate complex technical issues identified during bring-up and testing. Produce technical documentation, present architectural content, and collaborate across engineering, PLM, and field teams to resolve customer issues and align product direction. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.

Experience: 10+ years of hardware, system design, or system support experience in optical networking or related high-speed technologies. Demonstrated experience defining system architectures and driving technical decisions across multidisciplinary engineering teams. Application of networking protocols, including Ethernet (400/800/1600GE+) and OTN.

The annual salary range for this position is $89,400 - $142,800 CAD. #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. Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

📌 Hardware Systems Architect (Optical Networking) (Quebec)
🏢 Ciena
📍 Quebec