COOP/Intern Optical System Engineer

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.

The Opportunity:

Optical Networks Intern – Powering AI at Scale

The Autonomous Photonics Networks team designs and develops state-of-the-art optical network technologies and automation tools that deliver massive bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and highly reliable connectivity — essential for powering large-scale AI training and inference. Our mission is to ensure that cloud and data center networks can seamlessly transport enormous volumes of data between compute clusters, enabling AI innovation at scale.

You will:

• Perform laboratory measurements and characterization of optical devices (e.g., optical filters, optical amplifiers, multiplexers, splitters) to support network design and deployment.
• Automate lab workflows, data acquisition, and analysis using Python or Matlab.
• Collaborate with senior engineers on experiments that ensure optical systems meet the performance requirements for AI workloads in data center and inter-data center environments.

This role offers hands-on exposure to the photonic and packet networking systems at the heart of the infrastructure used to train and deploy AI — bridging advanced optical engineering with high-performance computing needs.

The Must Haves:

We are looking for a motivated individual with a strong interest in optical networking and hands-on lab work.

Preferred skills include:

• Proficiency in Python or Matlab for automation, data processing, and instrument control.
• Experience performing optical measurements such as insertion loss, gain, noise figure, return loss, spectral analysis, and channel isolation testing.
• Understanding of optical components and their roles in DWDM and data center interconnect systems.
• Basic knowledge of optical fiber connectors, connector cleaning/handling practices, and connector inspection.
• Familiarity with optical test equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), optical power meters, tunable lasers, and BER testers.
• Strong mathematical or statistical skills applicable to signal analysis and network performance evaluations.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for documenting procedures, test results, and collaborating across engineering teams.

The hourly pay range for this position is $

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.

In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers students access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation pay as required by applicable laws.

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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.

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