Optical Engineer

Optical Design Engineer

We are seeking an Optical Design Engineer to join our optical engineering team. The primary focus will be on designing and verifying high-speed pluggable optical transceiver modules ranging from 10G to 200G. This role involves optical component selection, high-speed testing, design verification testing (DVT), and test automation. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with hardware, mechanical, and product management teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform Design Verification Testing (DVT), comprising approximately 60% of the role.
• Conduct high-speed optical and electrical testing using lab instrumentation such as sampling scopes, BERTs, and AWG.
• Build and automate test setups and test sequences using Python or Matlab.
• Identify and select optical components, such as photodiodes, based on performance requirements.
• Interface with vendors to evaluate component options and new technologies.
• Participate in design discussions and support subsystem-level optical design work, which is approximately 20% of the role.
• Contribute to automation and software scripting related to testing, approximately 20% of the role.
• Attend internal meetings, engage in vendor discussions, and participate in self-development activities.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in performing verification tests.
• Proficiency with high-speed testing instruments, such as AWG (waveform generator).
• Experience in test automation using Python or Matlab.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player with mechanical and hardware teams, as well as product management.
• Strong knowledge of optical fibers and optical transceivers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in selecting and sourcing optical components.
• Vendor communication and supplier management experience.
• Familiarity with optical transmitters/receivers and their impairments.
• Knowledge of Ethernet standards is preferred.
• Understanding of optical component reliability and telecom performance standards such as Telcordia, IEC, and ITU.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role located in Ottawa, with 80% of the work being hands-on in the lab using test equipment. The remaining 20% of the time involves meetings, vendor interactions, research, and professional development.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Ottawa, ON.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/hr.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ottawa, ON.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands.