R&D AI Platform Engineer / Administrator

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 a global leader in high-speed connectivity, enabling innovation across optical networks, routing and switching, and network control systems. This role contributes to the "AI for Engineering" vision by advancing secure, on-premises AI capabilities for product development. The position plays a critical role in establishing and scaling an internal AI platform that supports innovation across Global R&D.

How you will make an impact:

• Design and deploy on-premises AI infrastructure using Kubernetes and Docker to host open-source and open-weight models
• Implement and manage model serving solutions including SGLang to optimize inference performance on shared infrastructure
• Configure and maintain AI application stack components including LiteLLM, Open WebUI, Milvus, and Langfuse
• Ensure adherence to enterprise security policies to protect intellectual property and maintain compliance with R&D governance standards
• Collaborate with AI architects and product teams to identify requirements and deliver scalable platform capabilities
• Deliver documentation and guidance to enable internal users to effectively utilize AI platform services

The must haves:

• Experience: 3+ years of experience developing and administering on-premises AI/ML platforms
• Utilization of Kubernetes, Docker, and Linux environments (Oracle Linux exposure noted)
• Application of LLM serving frameworks such as SGLang or vLLM, orchestration layers including LiteLLM, and vector databases such as Milvus
• Implementation of observability solutions for AI workflows including Langfuse or Prometheus/Grafana
• Application of network security, container security, and data privacy practices in enterprise environments
• Ability to translate technical constraints into business-aligned outcomes for stakeholders

Nice to haves:

• Experience: Application of Atlassian tools including Agile Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket for project tracking and code management
• Application of private cloud architectures, including OpenStack-based environments
• Experience: Support of design workstations or CI/CD pipeline environments
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or Math/Stats

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Pay Range:

The annual pay range for this position is C$93,900 - C$150,100. 

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.