Optical Systems Group Co-op

NOKIA; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

Nokia is offering a 4-month onsite internship in San Jose for graduate students in electrical or optical engineering. You will help develop and automate optical system characterization for next-generation coherent transceivers, and work with a cross-functional team.

You will build automated test workflows in Python/MATLAB, analyze large data sets, validate PICs and DSP components, and contribute to technology transfer.

Qualifications

• Pursuing MS/PhD in a technical field related to optics.
• Strong foundation in photonics or optical communications.
• Experience with Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
• Familiar with test automation and lab data workflows.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and document results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Support development and automation of optical system testing for coherent transceivers.
• Design test methods to evaluate OSNR, dispersion, polarization, and performance.
• Develop automated lab test frameworks using Python/MATLAB.
• Analyze large datasets and present results to the team.
• Assist in validating PICs, analog and DSP ASICs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues.
• Document procedures and findings for product development.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Optical communications

Data analysis

Git

Lab automation

ML basics

Education

MS or PhD candidate in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or related field

Tools

Git

Test instruments

Job description

Number of Positions: 2

Duration: 4 months

Dates: January - May 2027

Location: Onsite in San Jose, CA

EDUCATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Currently pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Support the development, automation, and execution of optical system characterization and validation testing for next-generation coherent pluggable transceivers.
• Design and implement test methodologies to evaluate key performance metrics including required OSNR, chromatic dispersion, polarization effects, transmitter and receiver performance, and overall system performance.
• Develop and maintain automated laboratory test frameworks using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools to improve measurement efficiency, reproducibility, and data analysis.
• Collect, process, and analyze large datasets from laboratory and system-level experiments, presenting results and recommendations to the engineering team.
• Assist in validating the optical performance of coherent photonic integrated circuits (PICs), analog and DSP ASICs.
• Work closely with a cross functional team to investigate performance issues, identify root causes, and verify corrective actions.
• Support integration and bring-up activities for early prototype hardware in laboratory environments.
• Develop software utilities for instrument control, data acquisition, calibration, and reporting.
• Participate in the design and validation of performance optimization and calibration algorithms for coherent optical systems.
• Document test procedures, experimental results, and technical findings to support product development and technology transfer activities.

• Currently pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong foundation in optical communications, photonics, signal processing, or communication systems.
• Experience with test automation and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools.
• Knowledge of measurement techniques and test equipment used in the performance characterization of coherent pluggables.
• Knowledge of software development practices, version control systems (Git), and automated test environments.
• Experience with statistical analysis, experimental design, or machine learning techniques applied to engineering problems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex experimental data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment.

Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Our recruitment process

We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.

If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.

The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role’s requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.