Senior PCBA & Backend Assembly Process 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.

At Ciena, this role drives the successful transition of electronic assemblies from engineering into manufacturing, enabling product readiness and production continuity. The position partners with contract manufacturers and cross functional teams to improve manufacturability, resolve technical issues, and support new product introductions. Contributions help ensure quality, efficiency, and scalability across global manufacturing operations.

How you will make an impact:

• Facilitate technology transfer of electronic assemblies to contract manufacturers, including documentation, data files, tooling, and ongoing issue resolution.
• Evaluate contract manufacturers through on-site assessments to determine readiness for new production opportunities and monitor manufacturing performance.
• Review assembly documentation and design files, coordinating updates through configuration management and engineering teams.
• Develop and maintain assembly work instructions using available manufacturing tools.
• Conduct Design for Manufacturing reviews of new PCB and PCBA designs using CAD data.
• Contribute vendor and industry standards feedback to product specifications, material evaluations, and assembly qualification activities.
• Resolve manufacturing and process related technical issues while providing manufacturing capability feedback to planning, engineering, and management teams.

The must haves:

• Expertise in manufacturing and process engineering for electronic assembly (SMT).
• Application of IPC-610 workmanship standards for electronic assemblies.
• Utilization of CAD packages to review PCB and PCBA design files for electronic assemblies; experience with Mentor Graphics Valor DFM software is required.
• Application of automated electronic assembly processes, including surface mount, through-hole assembly, and troubleshooting.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Experience: 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Fluent English skills, no travel restrictions, and willingness to relocate to Guadalajara, Mexico if not currently located there.

Nice to haves:

• Expertise in improving backend processes through mechanical design changes and/or implementation of SPC and Poka-yoke process improvements.

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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.