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Optical Support Engineer

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing 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 committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

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.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.

Optical Support Engineer – Associate/Senior Associate(P1 or P2) 

Scope of Responsibilities 

Provide system level pre & post-sales support for CIENA’s Customer base. This includes answering incoming customer calls, testing, troubleshooting and remote technical support for CIENA optical products. An understanding of fiber optic transport and/or switching protocols is essential.  Experience with Element Management or Network Management systems would be an asset. Basic understanding of data communications protocols including Ethernet and IP networks is beneficial.  

Specific Responsibilities 

  • Answer incoming calls from our global customers as well as document, validate, and capture adequate information to facilitate a technical investigation. 
  • Respond to customer inquiries and provide remote technical support for issues related to our optical products promptly and professionally via various communication channels (phone, email, chat).  
  • Troubleshoot and resolve network faults, performance issues, and configuration problems in a timely manner.  
  • Provide occasional after-hours work to support customer business requirements. 
  • Periodic weekend working required.
  • Recover information necessary to escalate reported issues to senior engineers.  
  • Utilize debug tools as well as lab research to advance customers’ technical problems.  
  • Provide Customer feedback to Internal teams as appropriate. 
  • Contribute to the technical knowledgebase (KCS) 

Education and Experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree in technical field (e.g. Engineering, Computer Science) from a four-year college or university with zero to three years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience 
  • Experience in a customer facing role would be an asset. 
  • Foundational knowledge of the operation of fiber optic transport and/or switching equipment. 
  • Basic problem-solving experience with OTN/SONET/SDH equipment, Carrier Ethernet equipment or associated fiber optic facilities would be an asset. 
     

Candidate Profile 

  • Must have excellent communications skill with the ability to communicate in the English language both verbal and written. 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.  
  • Availability for onsite, in-person training and mentoring for a period of approximately 6 months from start date after which a hybrid work model will be possible. 
  • Customer-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to providing exceptional customer service.  
  • Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Ability to analyze, troubleshoot and resolve problems. 
  • Motivated self-starter with excellent time management skills with a willingness and ability to learn new concepts. 
  • An understanding of transport and switching systems for telecommunications applications and Optical Networking 
  • System level trouble shooting on fiber optic telecommunications transport and switching equipment. 
  • Knowledge of computers, data communications, LINUX, Databases, and IP network experience would be a benefit. 
  • Experience with network management systems would be beneficial. 
  • Ability to deal with stressful situations. 

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community to get relevant job alerts straight to your inbox.

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.

Average salary estimate

$60000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$50000K
$70000K

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What You Should Know About Optical Support Engineer, Ciena

Ciena is on the lookout for an enthusiastic Optical Support Engineer in Belfast to join our vibrant team. Here at Ciena, we believe in a people-first philosophy that cultivates an environment where every individual can thrive. As an Optical Support Engineer, you'll be pivotal in providing both pre and post-sales support for our optical products, creating a seamless experience for our global customers. Your responsibilities will include answering incoming calls, testing, troubleshooting, and offering remote technical support over various channels. If you have a foundational knowledge of fiber optic transport or switching protocols, that’s a huge plus! You’ll also get to collaborate with other internal teams and contribute to the technical knowledge base. We value diversity and respect each employee as an individual, so you'll find a culture focused on growth, well-being, and personal fulfillment. With a bachelor's degree in a technical field, you’ll be positioned perfectly to thrive in this role. You'll need strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively translate technical concepts to diverse audiences. Some after-hours support may be required, and we appreciate adaptability as we sometimes have weekend work. Ciena isn't just a job; it's a community where your contributions are valued. If you're eager to join us in advancing optical technology and making a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Optical Support Engineer Role at Ciena
What responsibilities does the Optical Support Engineer at Ciena hold?

The Optical Support Engineer at Ciena is responsible for providing system-level pre and post-sales support, which includes answering customer inquiries, troubleshooting network issues, and offering remote technical support for optical products. The role involves direct communication with customers to document and resolve their queries efficiently.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Optical Support Engineer position at Ciena?

To apply for the Optical Support Engineer position at Ciena, candidates should have a bachelor's degree in a technical field like Engineering or Computer Science. Relevant experience in customer-facing roles is also beneficial, along with foundational knowledge of fiber optics and data communication protocols.

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Is prior experience required for the Optical Support Engineer role at Ciena?

Ciena welcomes candidates with zero to three years of related experience for the Optical Support Engineer role. The company appreciates fresh graduates or those with some hands-on experience, indicating a commitment to mentorship and growth within the organization.

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What kind of work environment can I expect as an Optical Support Engineer at Ciena?

As an Optical Support Engineer at Ciena, you can expect a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritizes personal growth and well-being. The company promotes a culture of respect and values diversity, allowing employees to express their unique perspectives and ideas.

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Are there opportunities for career progression for Optical Support Engineers at Ciena?

Yes, Ciena is dedicated to the personal and professional development of its employees. As an Optical Support Engineer, you'll have opportunities to grow and advance within the company, contributing to various projects and goals, ensuring both your skills and career progress.

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Common Interview Questions for Optical Support Engineer
Can you explain the role of an Optical Support Engineer?

As an Optical Support Engineer, you are primarily responsible for providing technical support to customers using optical products. This includes troubleshooting issues, answering queries, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Highlight your problem-solving abilities and customer service experience during your interview.

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What experience do you have with fiber optic technologies?

When answering this question, focus on any hands-on experience you have with fiber optic transport and switching protocols. Discuss relevant projects, coursework, or internships that helped you gain insight into the technology. Be specific about the applications you've worked with.

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How do you handle stressful situations while troubleshooting?

To answer this, share an example of a time you effectively managed a stressful troubleshooting scenario. Emphasize your ability to stay calm, follow processes, and communicate clearly with customers or team members to resolve issues swiftly.

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Can you describe a situation where you provided exceptional customer service?

Discuss a specific instance where you went above and beyond for a customer. Detail how you assessed their needs, what steps you took to resolve their issue, and the outcome. Showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction and service excellence.

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What debugging tools are you familiar with?

Mention the debugging tools you have used in past experiences, whether related to optical products or general network troubleshooting. Highlight any specific tools used for analyzing problems in telecommunications to showcase your technical proficiency.

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How would you explain a technical issue to a non-technical person?

Share your strategy for simplifying complex concepts. You might discuss the importance of using analogies or avoiding technical jargon to ensure the person understands the issue clearly. Provide an example if possible.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What motivates you to provide technical support?

Express your passion for problem-solving and helping customers. Discuss how you find satisfaction in resolving issues and ensuring that customers feel supported throughout their experience with the optical products.

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Are you comfortable with occasional after-hours support?

Affirm your flexibility and willingness to support customers when urgent issues arise. You can also mention your commitment to the team's success and how you understand the importance of providing continuous support.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment?

Discuss your approach to task management and prioritization. For instance, you can explain how you evaluate the urgency and impact of each task, and how you stay organized to ensure timely completion while maintaining quality.

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What do you know about Ciena and its optical products?

Demonstrate your knowledge of Ciena’s products and their significance in optical networking. Share insights about Ciena’s commitment to innovation and customer focus in the telecommunications industry, showing your enthusiasm for the company and its mission.

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Since 1992, Ciena has been driven by a relentless pursuit of network innovation. We believe in a network that grows smarter, more agile, and more responsive every day. This means that when you digitally interact in your world - picking up the pho...

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DATE POSTED
April 19, 2025

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