NPI Robotics 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.

Ciena is the global leader in high-speed connectivity, building adaptive networks that enable exponential growth in bandwidth demand. This role plays a critical part in bringing next-generation hardware from concept to volume production by enabling robust, scalable, and automated test and manufacturing solutions. The NPI Robotics Engineer operates at the intersection of mechanical design, robotics, thermal engineering, and manufacturing, directly influencing product quality, yield, and long-term reliability across Ciena’s portfolio. This is an onsite role in our office in Kanata.

How you will make an impact:

• Design and deliver mechanical and electromechanical test fixtures, jigs, robotic systems, and automation solutions supporting product development and New Product Introduction (NPI).

• Drive mechanical and thermal design for microelectronic and micro‑optical packages and modules, balancing performance, reliability, manufacturability, and test requirements.

• Lead thermal architecture and validation, including passive and active cooling solutions, forced‑convection airflow design, and thermal interface materials.

• Provide hands‑on expertise during thermal characterization, environmental stress testing, thermal cycling, burn‑in, and long‑term reliability validation.

• Partner closely with optical, silicon, radio frequency (RF), reliability, manufacturing, process, and test engineering teams to resolve complex multidisciplinary challenges.

• Build, modify, debug, validate, and document test equipment and thermal assemblies to support development, validation, and production ramp.

• Support transition to Contract Manufacturers (CMs), including on‑site engagement to address yield, quality, and delivery challenges during NPI execution.

The must haves:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or equivalent.

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, robotics engineering, or automation engineering roles.

• Proficiency in 3D computer‑aided design (CAD) tools, preferably Creo Parametric.

• Experience designing plastic (injection‑molded) and metal (sheet metal, machined, die‑cast) components.

• Working knowledge of electronic circuit layout and integration with mechanical systems.

• Experience operating within data management, enterprise resource planning (ERP), or materials requirements planning (MRP) systems.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and global Contract Manufacturers.

• Experience with mechanical automation systems incorporating pneumatics, motor drives, relay controls, sensors, control protocols (e.g. TCP, I2C, SPI, Serial)

• Experience developing / scripting in C#, C++, Python, integration of external hardware, data acquisition, user interfaces

• Ability to troubleshoot complex integrated electro-mechanical systems and diagnose issues stemming from hardware, electronics, and software

• Familiarity with machine vision systems, image processing methods, image classification / feature recognition

Nice to haves:

• Experience working in a structured product development or New Product Introduction (NPI) environment.

• Strong hands‑on mechanical aptitude, including the ability to mount, adapt, repair, and debug test setups.

• Familiarity with micro‑optical and micro‑electronic assembly technologies.

• Experience supporting radio frequency (RF) and optical package or module design.

• Exposure to thermal reliability testing methodologies and manufacturing scale‑up activities.

Pay Range:

• The annual pay range for this position in Ottawa is $74, 200 - $118, 400

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.