Thermal Design Engineer

Job summary

Develop thermal architectures and guide thermal solutions for optical switching and transport products from concept through production. Perform thermal analysis and CFD simulations, validate designs through laboratory testing, mitigate thermal risks, and collaborate across teams to support product manufacturing and sustaining engineering.

Job details

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being—on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters. How You Will Contribute We are seeking a motivated and talented Thermal Design Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will help design and develop next-generation optical switching and transport products, guiding thermal solutions from concept through production. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will be responsible for ensuring that complex electro-optical systems meet thermal performance, reliability, and operational requirements across a wide range of environmental conditions. Your work will combine thermal analysis, CFD simulation, and experimental validation to drive innovative and robust product designs. As a key member of the design organization, you will: Define and develop thermal architectures for new products and technologies Perform thermal analysis and CFD simulations to evaluate and optimize product designs Plan and execute laboratory testing to validate thermal performance and correlate results with simulation models Identify thermal risks and develop mitigation strategies throughout the product development cycle Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, optical, software, and manufacturing teams to deliver high-quality products Support the introduction of new products into manufacturing and contribute to sustaining engineering activities for existing platforms Required Qualifications Master's or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics 5+ years of experience in thermal design and verification of electronic systems Hands-on experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software Strong background in engineering laboratory testing, data analysis, and experimental methods Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills Assets Experience using FloTHERM for thermal modeling and simulation Experience with Creo CAD software Knowledge of mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and product fabrication techniques Salary Range: The annual salary range for this position is $88,700 - $141,700. 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. Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence. 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. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.

What you’ll do

Develop thermal architectures and guide thermal solutions for optical switching and transport products from concept through production. Perform thermal analysis and CFD simulations, validate designs through laboratory testing, mitigate thermal risks, and collaborate across teams to support product manufacturing and sustaining engineering.

Requirements

Requires a master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics, plus at least five years of experience in thermal design and verification of electronic systems. Candidates need hands-on CFD software experience and a strong background in laboratory testing, data analysis, experimental methods, communication, and collaboration; FloTHERM, Creo, and manufacturing knowledge are assets.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan
• Company Matching
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company-Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Vacation Time
• Paid Family Leave

Listed skills

• Data analysis · Preferred
• Cross-Functional Collaboration · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Thermal Design
• Heat Transfer
• Fluid Mechanics
• Thermal Analysis
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• CFD Simulation
• Thermal Modeling
• Laboratory Testing
• Experimental Validation
• Data Analysis
• Thermal Risk Mitigation
• Mechanical Design
• Creo CAD
• FloTHERM
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Manufacturing Support
• Electro-Optical Systems
• PTC Creo (CAD Suite)
• FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software)
• Sustaining Engineering
• Computer-Aided Design
• Communication
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Employee Stock Purchase Planning
• Sales
• Innovation
• Interpersonal Communications
• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Processes
• New Product Development
• Simulations
• Thermal Management
• Electronic Systems
• Reliability

Job areas

• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Technology
• Thermal Design Engineer
• Manufacturing Process Engineer
• Industrial and Production Engineers
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Industrial Engineers

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