h3How You Will Make an Impact /h3 /brpDrive Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT) activities throughout product development.
/p /brpTranslate engineering prototypes into manufacturable product configurations, considering process capabilities, tolerances, repeatability, yield, and cost.
/p /brpIdentify industrialization risks and manufacturing constraints early in the design process, working closely with engineering teams to address them.
/p /brpCoordinate manufacturability reviews and define industrialization requirements, milestones, and acceptance criteria.
/p /brpSupport design optimization to ensure product architectures are compatible with scalable manufacturing processes.
/p /brpDesign and validate manufacturing, assembly, calibration, and testing processes.
/p /brpDefine process qualification requirements, manufacturing readiness criteria, and technical documentation necessary for production transfer.
/p /brpSupport the development of manufacturing workflows, process specifications, tooling requirements, and test methodologies.
/p /brpDrive technical readiness assessments, identifying and addressing gaps before industrialization milestones and production release.
/p /brpCoordinate technical activities with semiconductor foundries, photonic packaging partners, and contract manufacturers throughout product and process development.
/p /brpSupport technical evaluation and qualification of manufacturing capabilities, equipment, and processes.
/p /brpRun engineering builds, pilot production activities, and process validation campaigns.
/p /brpFacilitate technical troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, and corrective actions during industrialization.
/p /brpEnsure manufacturing processes, technical documentation, qualification results, and production requirements are complete, validated, and ready for transfer to high-volume manufacturing.
/p /brpContribute directly to establishing and scaling the RD Operations function,



working closely with RD leadership.
/p /brpDevelop practical methodologies, workflows, and tools to manage the transition from engineering development to industrial manufacturing.
/p /brpEstablish structured processes for industrialization planning, design transfer, process validation, and production readiness.
/p /brpIdentify technical and operational capability gaps and contribute to the development roadmap of the function.
/p /brpPromote a collaborative, execution-oriented culture focused on manufacturability, scalability, and continuous improvement.
/p /brh3Must Haves /h3 /brul /brliEducation: Degree in Engineering, Physics, or another relevant technical discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
/li /brliExperience: 6+years of Significant experience in semiconductor, photonics, electronics, telecommunications equipment, or other advanced technology manufacturing environments.
/li /brliProven experience in industrialization, manufacturing operations, technology transfer, or related disciplines.
/li /brliExperience working with semiconductor foundries, contract manufacturers, or specialized manufacturing partners.
/li /brliStrong understanding of product development lifecycles and the transition from engineering prototypes to industrial manufacturing.
/li /brliDemonstrated ability to manage cross-functional technical projects and coordinate multidisciplinary stakeholders.
/li /brliStrong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
/li /brliGood understanding of manufacturing cost structures, operational planning, and industrial investment decisions.




/li /brliAbility to work independently, take ownership of deliverables, and contribute hands?on to building new processes and organizational capabilities.
/li /brliFamiliarity with DFM, DFA, DFT, and Design for Excellence (DFX) methodologies.
/li /brliFluency in English.
/li /br /ul /brh3Nice to Haves /h3 /brul /brliExperience with Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), wafer fabrication, optical packaging, or advanced assembly and test technologies.
/li /brliExperience in manufacturing process characterization, qualification, and production readiness assessments.
/li /brliKnowledge of yield analysis, process capability, statistical process control, and continuous improvement methodologies.
/li /brliExperience coordinating technology transfers across international manufacturing partners.
/li /brliFamiliarity with product cost modelling, industrialization business cases, and RD operational planning.
/li /br /ul /brh3Why This Opportunity Is Unique /h3 /brpThis role offers an opportunity to help transform advanced integrated photonics technologies from innovative engineering concepts into scalable manufacturing solutions.
/p /brpThe successful candidate will play a key role in building the processes, methodologies, and technical capabilities required to support industrialization and high-volume production.
/p /brpAs the RD Operations function matures, the role may also provide opportunities to take on broader leadership responsibilities based on business needs and individual contribution.
/p /brpCiena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals.
/p /brpWe do not tolerate any form of discrimination.
/p /brpCiena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
/p /brpIf contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.
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📌 Senior R&D Operations Lead – Industrialization & Technology Transfer (Milano)
🏢 Photonpath
📍 Milano