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Optical Networking Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Zhone Technologies Inc

$150K - $170K/yr

Description We are looking for an experienced Optical Product Line Manager to own the end-to-end product lifecycle for Zhone DWDM optical networking products. This role is responsible for defining ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

Kanata, ON

... reliable optical networking solutions. Some of our benefits in Canada: * Corporate Retirement Savings Plan * Health and dental benefits * Short-term disability, and long-term disability * Life ...

Ciena

Optical Design Engineer

Ottawa, ON

CA$94K - CA$150K/yr

Knowledge of Passive Optical Networking (PON) or the PON market, IEEE/ ITU standards and transceiver technologies. Pay Range: The annual salary range for this position is $94,100 - $150,300. Pay ...

Ciena

System Integration Specialist Intern

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$25 - CA$32/hr

September 2026 - August 2027 This role offers the opportunity to contribute to validation of end-to-end optical networking solutions within Ciena's Optical Platform Systems organization. The position ...

Ciena

Senior Advisor, Network Standards

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$126K - CA$202K/yr

... optical networking technologies. This position provides a unique opportunity to lead standards strategy at scale, collaborate with industry leaders, and ensure Ciena's innovations are aligned with ...

Nokia

Principal DSP Engineer

Kanata, ON

Each team member's insights are valued, making your work integral to shaping the future of optical networking in a supportive and fast-paced atmosphere. You have: * Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical ...

Nokia

Senior DSP Engineer

Kanata, ON · On-site

Each team member's insights are valued, making your work integral to shaping the future of optical networking in a supportive and fast-paced atmosphere. You have: * Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical ...

Nokia

Staff DSP ASIC Design Engineer

Kanata, ON

With the recent acquisition of Infinera, we've united two industry leaders to create an optical networking powerhouse-combining cutting-edge technology with proven leadership to redefine the future ...

Nokia

Sr Embedded Software Engineer

Kanata, ON

Experience with optical networking communication systems, particularly optical transceivers or fiber optics modules. * Familiarity with optical technologies and components such as EDFAs, WSS, OCMs ...

Nokia

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Kanata, ON · On-site

Experience with optical networking communication systems, particularly optical transceivers or fiber optics modules. * Familiarity with optical technologies and components such as EDFAs, WSS, OCMs ...

Nokia

Sr Embedded Software Engineer

Kanata, ON

Experience with optical networking communication systems, particularly optical transceivers or fiber optics modules. * Familiarity with optical technologies and components such as EDFAs, WSS, OCMs ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Networking JobsOptical Networking Jobs in Ontario

Optical Networking information

See Ontario salary details

$22.5K

$113.4K

$165.5K

How much do optical networking jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical networking in Ontario is $113,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying networking job?

In the field of optical networking, senior roles such as Optical Network Architects or Network Engineering Managers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require advanced technical skills, certifications, and extensive experience in designing and managing complex optical networks.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to the growth of optical communication networks, data centers, and fiber optic infrastructure. Skills in photonics, laser systems, and network design increase employability, and certifications in optical technologies can enhance job prospects.

What is the difference between Optical Networking vs Network Technician?

AspectOptical NetworkingNetwork Technician
CertificationsFiber Optic certifications, Cisco CCNACompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentFieldwork installing and maintaining fiber optic systemsOffice and on-site troubleshooting of network hardware
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providersIT departments, service providers
Job FocusDesign, install, and maintain optical fiber networksConfigure, troubleshoot, and repair network hardware and software

Optical Networking specialists focus on fiber optic systems, while Network Technicians handle broader network hardware and software. Both roles require certifications like Cisco CCNA, but Optical Networking emphasizes fiber optics expertise. The roles often overlap in telecommunications and IT industries, but their specific tasks and environments differ.

What is optical networking?

Optical networking is a communication method that uses light signals transmitted through optical fibers to transfer data over long distances at high speeds. It is the backbone of modern telecommunications, enabling high-capacity internet, telephone, and video services. Optical networks use devices like lasers, fiber-optic cables, and photodetectors to convert electrical signals into light and back, allowing for extremely fast and reliable data transmission. This technology is essential for supporting the growing demand for bandwidth in today's digital world.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

In the field of optical networking, senior engineering roles such as optical systems engineers, network architects, or engineering managers can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require expertise in fiber optics, network design, and industry-standard tools, and may include bonuses and stock options that contribute to total compensation.

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

To thrive as an Optical Networking Engineer, you need a solid understanding of optical communication principles, fiber optic technologies, and network protocols, typically backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as optical spectrum analyzers, OTDRs, and certifications like Cisco CCNP or ONF-Certified SDN Associate is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help professionals excel in design, troubleshooting, and collaboration. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure reliable high-speed data transmission and efficient network infrastructure in telecommunications environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in optical networking roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in optical networking often encounter challenges such as maintaining network reliability, troubleshooting signal degradation, and integrating new technologies with legacy systems. These issues require a proactive approach to monitoring network performance, continuous learning to stay current with evolving technologies, and strong collaboration with cross-functional teams such as network architects and field engineers. Addressing these challenges typically involves leveraging advanced diagnostic tools, participating in ongoing training, and adhering to industry best practices for installation and maintenance.

Is AI going to replace network engineers?

AI is unlikely to fully replace network engineers in optical networking, as the role requires complex problem-solving, hands-on troubleshooting, and understanding of physical infrastructure. Instead, AI tools are expected to augment their work by automating routine tasks and analyzing large data sets, allowing engineers to focus on design, optimization, and strategic planning. Continuous learning and certification in networking technologies remain important for job security in this evolving field.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Networking jobs in Ontario? For Optical Networking jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Networking jobs in Ontario look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Networking jobs in Ontario are:
Optical Networking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Networking job openings in Ontario as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,425 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Optical Product Line Manager

Zhone Technologies Inc

$150K - $170K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description

We are looking for an experienced Optical Product Line Manager to own the end-to-end product lifecycle for Zhone DWDM optical networking products. This role is responsible for defining product strategy, roadmap, and execution for solutions supporting 100G, 400G, and 800G networks, with strong alignment to IP and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) architectures. The ideal candidate combines deep technical understanding of optical and IP networks with strong product management and cross-functional leadership skills


Key Responsibilities:

  • Own the product lifecycle from concept, requirements, and roadmap through launch, sustainment, and end-of-life
  • Define product vision and strategy for DWDM optical transport products supporting 100G / 400G / 800G coherent technologies
  • Develop and maintain multi-year product roadmaps aligned with market trends, customer needs, and technology evolution
  • Translate market and customer requirements into product requirements documents (PRDs) and feature definitions
  • Work closely with R&D, hardware, software, and TQA teams to ensure on-time and on-spec delivery
  • Ensure strong integration between optical transport, Optical (PON) Access, and SDN-based control and management
  • Drive adoption of model-driven management using NETCONF/YANG and automation frameworks
  • Collaborate with sales, marketing, and customer teams to support product positioning, technical enablement, and customer engagements
  • Perform competitive analysis and continuously assess market, technology, and standards trends
  • Support product launch activities, documentation, training, and customer feedback loops

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (MBA or advanced degree is a plus)
  • 7+ years of experience in product management, product line management, or technical leadership roles in optical networking
  • Strong understanding of DWDM optical transport systems, including ROADM architectures and coherent optics
  • Knowledge of 100G / 400G / 800G optical technologies and deployment considerations
  • Prior experience managing products for global telecom or hyperscale customers
  • Familiarity with carrier-class service provider environments
  • Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Exposure to network automation, telemetry, and orchestration platforms
  • Experience with IP networking, including routing and IP-over-optical architectures
  • Solid understanding of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) concepts and architectures
  • Familiarity with NETCONF/YANG, OpenConfig, and model-driven network management

Benefits for full-time employees include an Extended Health Care Plan, Dental, Vision, Life, Dependent Life, Disability insurance, Retirement Savings Plan, $500 Wellness Benefit, Employee Assistance Program and Paid Time Off.

What happens once you apply?  Your resume will be reviewed against the requirements listed and if a match is made, a member of our team will reach out to you directly. Hiring top talent is our top priority and we are thrilled that you chose us.


Zhone Technologies is an equal opportunity employer for all job applicants and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics. Encouraging a diverse and inclusive organization is core to our values and is why we nurture it in everything we do. We believe that a diverse workforce brings new perspectives that enhance our teams, bring creativity, and inspire innovation. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know during the application process.


We do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants. However, please be aware that some third-party tools we use in our recruiting and selection process may incorporate AI technology. This job posting is being issued to fill a current vacancy, all interested applicants are encouraged to apply.

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