Optical Systems Architect

Nokia; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Nokia in San Jose leads optical DWDM development within the Optical Networks division. You will design and architect novel DWDM hardware and software platforms, collaborating with Systems Architecture, Systems Engineering and Software Development teams to push performance and scale.

This role requires deep DWDM knowledge, hands-on experience with coherent transponders, ROADMs and amplifiers, and strong leadership across cross‑functional teams to deliver next‑generation data center connectivity.

Qualifications

• Excellent foundational knowledge of DWDM systems and transmission fiber effects in DWDM design.
• Hands-on experience with DWDM transmission systems including coherent transponders, EDFAs, Raman amplifiers and ROADMs.
• Working knowledge of closed loop and open loop control systems.
• Knowledge of advanced coherent modulation formats for long-haul transmission.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Highly motivated team player adept at cross-functional, cross-cultural and international teamwork.
• PhD in Optics/Engineering/Physics with minimum 8 years of relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead DWDM line system design with alignment to product requirements and drive architecture decisions.
• Architect, design and validate distributed, link-level optical line system control systems with SW teams.
• Develop system design rules and performance models for new optical transmission tech.
• Demonstrate new optical transmission technologies to key customers.

Education

PhD in Optics/Engineering/Physics

Tools

DWDM components

Coherent transponders

ROADM

EDFAs & Raman amplifiers

Control systems

Job description

Job Description

In an increasingly connected world, the pandemic has highlighted just how essential telecom networks are to keeping society running. The Network Infrastructure group is at the heart of a revolution to connectivity, pushing the boundaries to deliver more and faster network capacity to people worldwide through our ambition, innovation, and technical expertise.

Join Optical Networks division, where innovation meets scale in the AI-driven data center era. With the recent acquisition of Infinera, we’ve united two industry leaders to create an optical networking powerhouse—combining cutting-edge technology with proven leadership to redefine the future of connectivity.

As part of Nokia’s Optical Architecture group, you will have a unique opportunity to lead the design and architecture ofnovel optical DWDM communication systems. You will be responsible for architecting and implementing new optical hardware and software platforms in collaboration with our Systems Architecture, Systems Engineering and Software Development teams.

How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn

Your key responsibilities will include the technical leadership for a DWDM line system design, with following aspects:

• Close alignment with Product Line Management on product requirements
• Architecture of a DWDM line system considering fiber and line systems elements’ transmission characteristics, including signal power/OSNR evolution and fiber nonlinearities
• Architecture, design and validation of distributed, link-level optical line system control systems in close co-operation with SW development and test teams
• Development of system design rules and performance models
• Demonstration of new optical transmission technologies to key customers

Key Skills And Experience

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Excellent foundational knowledge of DWDM systems, transmission fiber effects and how to consider them in a DWDM system design
• Hands-on experience with DWDM transmission systems including coherent transponders, EDFAs, Raman amplifiers and ROADMs
• Working knowledge of closed loop and open loop control systems
• Knowledge of advanced coherent modulation formats including practical experience with their transmission in long haul systems
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Highly motivated team player adept at cross-functional, cross-cultural and international teamwork

• Ph.D. in Optics/Engineering/Physics + minimum 8 years of relevant work experience