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Ciena Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As part of Ciena's Optical Systems Product Line Management organization, this role drives the ... Master's degree in Electrical Engineering OR Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with ...

Collaborate with Ciena optical engineers for deployment and provisioning of 6500 RLS/Navigator. * Equipment Decommissioning * Decommission and manage legacy Infinera platforms. * Support ...

DWDM Engineer

Atlanta, GA

$124K - $160K/yr

Optical Path Engineering: Conduct link budget analysis, OSNR (Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio ... Ciena: Optical Communications Professional (OC-P) or Consultant (OC-C). * Nokia: Certified Optical ...

Optical Network Engineer Location: Fremont, CA Salary: $110-120k Role Description: Deployment ... devices such as Ciena and Infinera in new PoPs and Datacenter builds. ๏‚ท Develop & update ...

Ciena's xPO Micro-Optics Team is driving the future of high-speed connectivity by developing ... Drive technical decision-making as a lead engineer on development projects. The must haves: * 5+ ...

Ciena's xPO Micro-Optics Team is driving the future of high-speed connectivity by developing ... Drive technical decision-making as a lead engineer on development projects. The must haves: * 5+ ...

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Showing results 1-20

Ciena Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do ciena optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for ciena optical engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ciena Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ciena Optical Engineer, you need a strong background in optical networking, fiber optics, and telecommunications, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with Ciena hardware and management software, optical network design tools, and relevant certifications such as Ciena Certified Professional are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across departments and respond to network challenges. These skills ensure reliable network performance, efficient troubleshooting, and successful implementation of complex optical solutions.

What is the difference between Ciena Optical Engineer vs Ciena Network Engineer?

AspectCiena Optical EngineerCiena Network Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like Cisco CCNA or Ciena-specific trainingBachelor's in Networking, certifications like Cisco CCNP or similar
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and maintaining optical fiber systemsManaging and troubleshooting network infrastructure
Industry UsageTelecom, data centers, optical network providersTelecom, enterprise networks, service providers

The Ciena Optical Engineer focuses on designing and maintaining optical fiber systems, while the Ciena Network Engineer manages overall network infrastructure. Both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and specialization.

What is a Ciena Optical Engineer?

A Ciena Optical Engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting optical networking solutions using Ciena's equipment and technologies. These engineers work with advanced fiber optic systems to ensure high-speed data transmission across telecommunications networks. Their responsibilities often include network planning, installation, testing, and resolving issues related to Ciena optical products. They typically collaborate with network architects and field technicians to deliver robust and scalable network solutions for service providers and large enterprises.

What types of projects do Ciena Optical Engineers typically work on, and how do they collaborate with cross-functional teams?

Ciena Optical Engineers are often involved in designing, testing, and optimizing advanced optical networks to support high-capacity data transmission for service providers and enterprise clients. They frequently collaborate with software engineers, network architects, and field technicians to ensure seamless integration of hardware and software solutions. Regular responsibilities include configuring optical equipment, troubleshooting network issues, and supporting network upgrades. Close teamwork is essential, as projects may require coordinating lab tests, field trials, and customer demonstrations to meet client requirements and deadlines.
Infographic showing various Ciena Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Senior Optical & Packet Network Engineer - Ciena / ADVA

Purple Drive Technologies

Alpharetta, GA โ€ข On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Overview:
Role: Senior Optical Network Engineer
Technical / Functional Skills
  • Lead the deployment, commissioning, and testing of Ciena optical and packet networking equipment (6500, 5400, 8700 series) or ADVA FSP 3000, 150, or 3000C.
  • Experience with Ciena 6500, Site Manager, and Metro Field Tech scenarios.
  • Good knowledge in Routing and Switching Level 3 (With CCNP/CCIE Certificate).
  • Very good understanding of BGP and OSPF is a must.
  • Perform complex, in-service upgrades and migrations without impacting end-user traffic.
  • Configure and manage Network Management Systems (NMS).
  • Support optical transport network design (DWDM/CWDM).
  • Serve as an escalation point for field engineers and customers to resolve complex issues.

Experience & Technical Knowledge
  • Deep understanding of DWDM, OTN, SONET/SDH, and Ethernet.
  • Experience with Optical Transport Networking (OTN) equipment.
  • Knowledge of Ethernet, IP, and SyncE/IEEE 1588v2 protocols.
  • Relevant experience in the telecommunications industry.
  • Familiarity with Linux, Python scripting, and SQL is good to have.
  • Strong communication skills.