Sr. Optics Engineer

Position Overview Adtran is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Optics Engineer to join our Optical Networking R&D team in Ottawa. This role will be responsible for the design, development, characterization, and validation of next-generation optical communication solutions supporting high-speed transport networks. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver cutting-edge optical products and technologies that enable service providers, enterprises, and data center customers worldwide. This position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to advanced optical networking platforms, coherent transmission technologies, and photonic integration initiatives while collaborating with global engineering teams. Key Responsibilities Design, develop, and optimize optical subsystems for high-speed telecommunications products. Evaluate and characterize optical components including lasers, modulators, photodiodes, optical amplifiers, and integrated photonic devices. Conduct optical performance analysis and testing, including BER, OSNR, chromatic dispersion, PMD, and link budget assessments. Develop and execute laboratory test plans and validation procedures for optical hardware and systems. Support product development activities from concept through production release. Collaborate with ASIC, FPGA, DSP, hardware, software, and systems engineering teams to ensure successful product integration. Analyze field and manufacturing issues and provide effective corrective actions and design improvements. Drive root cause investigations and performance optimization initiatives. Author technical documentation, test reports, engineering specifications, and design reviews. Mentor junior engineers and contribute technical leadership within the optics organization. Stay current with emerging optical networking technologies and industry standards. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or related technical field. 8+ years of experience in optical communications, photonics, or telecommunications product development. Strong understanding of optical transport systems and high-speed optical transmission technologies. Hands-on experience with optical test equipment, including: Optical spectrum analyzers (OSA) Bit Error Rate Testers (BERT) High-speed oscilloscopes Optical power meters Tunable lasers Network analyzers Experience characterizing optical transceivers, coherent optics, or DWDM systems. Familiarity with optical impairments and system performance metrics. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced R&D environment. Preferred Qualifications Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering. Experience with coherent optical transmission systems (100G, 400G, 800G and beyond). Knowledge of silicon photonics and photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Familiarity with ITU-T, IEEE, OIF, and OpenZR/OpenROADM standards. Experience with optical simulations and modeling tools such as VPIphotonics, OptiSystem, MATLAB, or Python. Experience supporting manufacturing qualification and product commercialization. Knowledge of advanced modulation formats and coherent DSP architectures.

The Senior Optics Engineer will design, develop, and optimize optical subsystems for high-speed telecommunications products while collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams. They will also evaluate optical components and conduct performance analysis to support product development from concept to production.

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 8 years of experience in optical communications or related areas. Strong analytical skills and hands-on experience with optical test equipment are essential.

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Optical Engineering
• Photonics
• Telecommunications
• Optical Communication
• Optical Subsystems
• Optical Components
• Optical Testing
• Optical Performance Analysis
• Optical Hardware
• Product Development
• Collaboration
• Analytical Skills
• Problem-Solving
• Technical Documentation
• Mentoring
• Emerging Technologies

• Engineering
• Technology
• Science & Research

Minimum education

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum experience

10+ years

Apply by

Aug 15, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Mid-Senior level

Application method

Direct apply is available