Principal SerDes Architect

Synopsys, Inc.; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Synopsys is seeking an experienced SerDes/optical engineer to lead high-speed design efforts for 100G–400G interfaces. You will define strategies, develop validation methodologies, and collaborate with analog, digital, and photonics teams to ensure robust SerDes integration with next-generation optical technologies.

You will work within a cross-functional HPC Advanced Architecture team, applying system-level thinking, industry standards, and modeling to deliver reliable, high-performance IP

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in high-speed analog design or SerDes
• Experience with optical components such as laser drivers, TIAs, modulators
• Experience with standards like IEEE 802.3, OIF, PCIe
• Willingness to travel occasionally for customer, standards, or lab activities

Responsibilities

• Define optical strategy and requirements for 100G, 200G, and 400G SerDes products in partnership with product and marketing teams.
• Create validation plans and signoff methodologies for optical-specific features and compliance requirements for SerDes.
• Monitor and interpret standards across IEEE, OIF, LPO-MSA, RTLR, LINEAR, and PCIe optical initiatives.
• Develop and maintain models for optical components, including laser drivers, TIAs, and modulators.
• Define algorithms that will allow the SerDes to adapt optimally in the presence of optical non-linearity, noise, and other impairments.
• Collaborate with lab and hardware teams to debug and validate optical links across analog, digital, and photonics domains.
• Support customer engagements by providing technical expertise on optical integration and SerDes technologies.
• Partner with applications and support teams to resolve customer challenges and develop technical documentation.

Skills

High-speed analog design

SerDes architecture

Optical communications

System modeling

Signal integrity

Customer engagement

Cross-functional teamwork

Modeling and validation

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering

PhD preferred

Job description

We Are

Synopsys is a leader in silicon-to-systems engineering solutions, helping customers accelerate innovation in AI-powered products. Our portfolio includes silicon design, IP, simulation, analysis, and design services that maximize R&D productivity and drive the technologies of tomorrow.

The Team You'll Be Part Of

You will be part of the Synopsys High-Performance Compute (HPC) Advanced Architecture Team, tasked with architecting and designing SerDes that will interface with optical links at 100G, 200G and 400G rates. You will work with experts on a cross-functional team of analog, digital, system modelling, and hardware engineers across all stages of design development from simulation to silicon. This team is part of Synopsys' Silicon IP business, which delivers the world's broadest portfolio of IP to help customers integrate more capabilities, meet unique performance and power requirements, and get differentiated products to market quickly with reduced risk.

You Are

You thrive at the intersection of high-speed analog, SerDes, and optical communications. You understand that the toughest challenges emerge during real-world system integration, not just in theory. Whether discussing optical roadmaps with product teams or troubleshooting link performance in the lab, you bring a systems-level perspective and a practical approach to solving complex problems.

You stay ahead of evolving industry standards, actively tracking developments across IEEE, OIF, and related optical ecosystems. You know how to work effectively with incomplete data, develop meaningful models, and translate emerging technologies into product strategy.

At Synopsys, you will help define how industry-leading SerDes IP integrates with next-generation optical technologies.

What You'll Be Doing

• Define optical strategy and requirements for 100G, 200G, and 400G Synopsys SerDes products in partnership with product and marketing teams.
• Create validation plans and signoff methodologies for optical-specific features and compliance requirements for our SerDes.
• Monitor and interpret standards across IEEE, OIF, LPO-MSA, RTLR, LINEAR, and PCIe optical initiatives.
• Develop and maintain models for optical components, including laser drivers, TIAs, and modulators.
• Define algorithms that will allow the SerDes to adapt optimally in the presence of optical non-linearity, noise, and other impairments.
• Collaborate with lab and hardware teams to debug and validate optical links across analog, digital, and photonics domains.
• Support customer engagements by providing technical expertise on optical integration and SerDes technologies.
• Partner with applications and support teams to resolve customer challenges and develop technical documentation.

The Impact You Will Have

• Guide the optical roadmap for a world-class SerDes IP portfolio.
• Accelerate customer adoption of emerging optical technologies and standards.
• Influence industry specifications through standards participation and technical leadership.
• Improve time-to-market with scalable modeling and validation methodologies.
• Minimize post-silicon risk through comprehensive optical system validation.
• Enhance customer success through training, documentation, and technical guidance.
• Strengthen collaboration between Synopsys IP and EDA teams to improve product quality and modeling accuracy.

What You'll Need

• 10+ years of experience in high-speed analog design, SerDes architecture, optical communications, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of optical communication standards such as IEEE 802.3, OIF, LPO-MSA, and PCIe optical specifications.
• Experience integrating SerDes with optical components including laser drivers, TIAs, and modulators.
• Expertise in system modeling, adaptation and calibration algorithm development, signal integrity, and high-speed link analysis.
• Experience working with customers and cross-functional engineering teams.
• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field; PhD preferred.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for customer, standards, or lab activities.

Who You Are

• An effective communicator who can engage technical and non-technical stakeholders alike.
• Comfortable making informed decisions with incomplete information.
• A strong advocate for robust optical integration and sound engineering practices.
• Focused on real-world system behavior, not just simulation results.
• Organized and capable of managing evolving standards, customers, and projects simultaneously.
• Passionate about sharing knowledge through mentoring, documentation, and technical training.

Rewards and Benefits

Synopsys offers a comprehensive package of health, wellness, and financial benefits. Your recruiter will provide additional details regarding compensation and available benefits during the hiring process.