Senior Optical Engineer
Pubblicato il 09-10-2026 - Ciena in Milano
pAs 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.
/p h3Senior Optical Engineer (Individual Contributor) /h3 pCiena is seeking an experienced bSenior Optical Engineer /b to join our multidisciplinary team and contribute to the design, development, testing, and commercialization of advanced optical and photonic technologies.
This role will be a hands-on technical contributor responsible for designing photonic integrated circuits (PICs), developing optical subsystems, executing optical characterization activities, and supporting products throughout the full lifecycle from concept through manufacturing.
/p pThe successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering to deliver innovative optical solutions that support Ciena's next-generation networking and photonics roadmap.
/p h3bHow You Will Make an Impact: /b /h3 ul liDesign, simulate, and optimize bphotonic integrated circuits (PICs) /b and optical modules for telecommunications, optical amplification, sensing, and related photonics applications.
/li liDevelop and implement discrete optical setups for component, subsystem, and system-level testing, calibration, and validation.
/li liDefine, execute, and document optical test plans, including measurement methodologies, data collection, performance analysis, and reliability validation.
/li liUtilize bPython scripting /b to automate test environments, control laboratory instruments, perform data analysis, and improve engineering efficiency.
/li liSupport the transition of optical products from research and development into manufacturing by ensuring scalability, repeatability, quality, and operational readiness.
/li liCollaborate closely with hardware, electronics, software, systems, and manufacturing teams to resolve interdisciplinary technical challenges and ensure successful product integration.
/li liAnalyze optical performance data and provide recommendations for design optimization, product enhancements, and performance improvements.
/li liIdentify technical risks, troubleshoot complex optical issues, and drive root-cause analysis activities.
/li liContribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to product design, testing methodologies, and engineering processes.
/li liProvide technical expertise and guidance to project teams while supporting the successful execution of development programs.
/li /ul h3bThe Must Haves: /b /h3 ul libEducation: /b Master's or Ph.D. degree in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
/li libExperience: /b 5+ years of hands-on experience designing, testing, and optimizing photonic and optical systems.
/li liStrong experience in the design and simulation of bPhotonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) /b using tools such as bLumerical, VPIphotonics /b , or equivalent photonic design platforms.
/li liExperience designing, optimizing, and testing optical amplification technologies, including EDFA, Raman, SOA, or related amplification architectures.
/li liProficiency in bPython /b for instrument control, laboratory automation, data processing, and engineering analysis.
/li liHands-on experience setting up and operating optical characterization and calibration equipment, including Optical Spectrum Analyzers,
Optical Power Meters, Tunable Lasers, Polarization Controllers, and related laboratory instrumentation.
/li liExperience with fiber-optic technologies, including optical alignment, coupling, splicing, and integration with photonic devices and subsystems.
/li liStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex optical and photonic systems.
/li liDemonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
/li liStrong written and verbal communication skills in English.
/li /ul h3bNice to Haves: /b /h3 ul liExperience with optical communication systems, including optical amplifiers, coherent communication systems, sensors, or other advanced photonic technologies.
/li liKnowledge of photonic device packaging and integration, including thermal, mechanical, and manufacturability considerations.
/li liExperience supporting product transfer from RD into manufacturing environments.
/li liFamiliarity with version control tools such as bGit /b.
/li liExperience working in Agile development environments.
/li liKnowledge of manufacturing test methodologies, reliability validation, and product qualification activities.
/li liExperience working within telecommunications, networking, optical transport, or high-technology product development organizations.
/li liFamiliarity with photonic system modeling, signal integrity analysis, and optical performance optimization techniques.
/li /ul p#LI-MP2 /p pAt 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.
/p pCiena is anEqual Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
/p pIf contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.
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