Software Engineer - Optical Networks

Nokia; Lisboa; Hybrid; EUR 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Nokia in Portugal (Lisbon area) is seeking a junior to mid-level software engineer for its Optical Networks division. Join a global, high-trust team delivering high-performance C++ applications and modern network solutions.

You will work on system modernization, collaborate across international teams, and leverage AI-assisted tooling to accelerate development. Ideal candidates are recent graduates or early-career developers with strong C++, Linux, and scripting skills and a growth mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in CS/Telecommunications/EE or related field.
• Familiarity with Linux, Git and scripting (Python/Bash).
• Strong C++ and modern C++ standards; motivation to grow and learn.

Responsibilities

• Architect & Code: Build high-performance apps for modern hardware using Modern C++.
• System Modernization: Use STL, Boost, design patterns, and async/multi-threading to solve complex problems.
• Quality First: Ensure robustness with automated unit, integration, and stress testing (GTest).
• Collaborate & Innovate: Engage in design reviews and cross-functional initiatives within a global team.

Skills

C++ fundamentals

Growth mindset

English fluency

Linux

Git

Python

Boost

STL

Asynchronous programming

Education

BSc or MSc in Computer Science / Telecommunications / Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Boost

STL

Asynchronous programming

Job description

Job Description

Location: Portugal (Hybrid)

Division: Optical Networks (Nokia)

In an increasingly connected world powered by AI-driven data centers and global telecom infrastructure, optical networks are more critical than ever.

By joining our Optical Networks division - recently boosted by the acquisition of Infinera - you'll be part of an industry-leading team pushing the boundaries of ultra-fast, high-capacity network technology worldwide.

Whether you are a passionate junior engineer / recent graduate looking to accelerate your career under expert mentorship, or a mid-level software engineer ready to take ownership of complex systems and influence architectural decisions, this role offers an ideal environment to grow and thrive.

We operate in a high-trust, international, and collaborative environment where clean code, continuous learning, and software craftsmanship are our North Star. We don't expect you to know everything on day one-we are looking for curious problem-solvers who are excited to grow alongside top industry experts.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Real-World Global Impact: Write high-performance code that directly powers mission-critical global connectivity from day one.
• Mentorship & Ownership: Enjoy structured guidance to navigate your learning curve as a junior, or technical autonomy to drive features and design choices as a mid-level engineer.
• AI-Enhanced Workflow: Leverage modern AI coding assistants and LLM utilities integrated directly into our Development Life Cycle (DLC) to automate boilerplate tasks, generate tests, and focus on high-level logic.
• Flexible Hybrid Model: Work in a supportive, modern environment in Portugal with global exposure.

How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn

• Architect & Code: Build high-performance, robust applications for modern hardware architectures using Modern C++.
• System Modernization: Work with STL, Boost, design patterns, and asynchronous/multi-threaded programming to solve complex systems engineering challenges.
• Quality First: Apply engineering best practices to ensure software robustness through automated unit (GTest), integration, and stress testing.
• Collaborate & Innovate: Participate actively in design discussions, peer code reviews, and cross-functional initiatives within a global engineering team.

Key Skills And Experience

Core Essentials

• C++ Fundamentals: Strong grasp of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), basic data structures, algorithms, and memory management.
• Adaptable Experience Level: We welcome candidates ranging from recent graduates / entry-level engineers to mid-level developers looking to deepen their C++ and systems knowledge.
• Growth Mindset: High curiosity for modern C++ standards, eagerness to learn, and passion for technology.
• Tooling Basics: Familiarity with Linux environments, Git, or scripting languages (e.g., Python or Bash).
• Communication: Fluency in English and excitement to collaborate across international teams.
• Education: BSc or MSc in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a related field.

Nice-to-Haves (Not mandatory - academic exposure counts!)

• Optical & Telecom Concepts: Understanding of Optical Networks, Layer 0/1, DWDM, or hardware components (e.g., ROADM, WSS)-whether acquired through university coursework, academic projects/thesis, or prior work experience.
• Systems Programming: Exposure to embedded systems, OS fundamentals, or multi-threading.
• Testing Culture: Practical familiarity with testing frameworks like GTest or CTest.