Principal Engineer Fiber Optic Transceivers

Infinite Electronics, Inc.; United States; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Infinite Electronics, Inc. is seeking a senior optical engineering leader to drive development and qualification of high‑speed transceivers, including Digital Coherent Optics (DCO).

You will work with multiple vendors and customers to ensure performance and reliability across carrier and data center deployments. The role requires 10+ years in optical networking, deep understanding of coherent formats, and proven experience with 100G/400G/800G transceivers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering/science field and 10+ years in optical networking.
• Deep hands‑on experience with coherent optical systems and transceivers.
• Proven ability to lead development, testing, and qualification of pluggable optics.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and architectural direction for next‑gen pluggable optics.
• Act as technical authority on customer calls and site visits for escalations.
• Own development/qualification of Digital Coherent Optics (DCO) and next‑gen tech.
• Lead validation and interoperability testing across platforms and networks.
• Guide lab strategy and ensure scalable testing capabilities.

Skills

Technical leadership

Customer-facing expert

Interoperability testing

Transceiver development

Coherent optics knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

EXFO

Job description

Infinite Electronics powers a global portfolio of specialized connectivity companies delivering reliable engineered solutions worldwide. Built as a unified platform for speed, scale, and reliability, the company combines shared infrastructure, best-in‑class logistics, and deep engineering expertise to support mission‑critical connectivity needs. Through scalable global operations and rapid development capabilities, Infinite helps customers accelerate innovation and bring new ideas to market. Our companies offer strong value‑added solutions across several areas, including power distribution, surge protection, EMP, RF, cables, fiber optic solutions, connectors, sensors, and antennas. This broad product portfolio is supported by robust engineering capabilities and vertically integrated global manufacturing operations. Infinite Electronics is the first choice for customers across various markets, including telecommunications, industrial, military, energy, medical, transportation, and data centers.

Integra Optics, part of Infinite Electronics’ Advanced Connectivity Solutions business unit, is recognized as the leader in optical transceivers, fiber cable assemblies, and connectivity solutions for telecom, data centers leveraging AI, and other high‑speed networks. As one of the first to pioneer third‑party coded transceivers, Integra enables customers to code optics across multiple OEM platforms, helping data center operators, internet providers, and carriers expand and maintain reliable fiber infrastructure where network uptime is paramount. The business’ key differentiators are technical expertise, product breadth, and speed to market.

Position Description

This position is responsible for developing/qualifying new products as well as maintaining technical support for current products, focusing on emerging technologies such as high‑speed Digital Coherent Optics (DCO). This includes working with vendors to ensure the products meet and maintain our technical requirements and delivering high‑quality services to our customers with technical and solution‑oriented support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and architectural direction for next-generation pluggable optics and adjacent products, driving innovation and differentiation across the product roadmap in collaboration with Product Line Management.
• Serve as a technical authority and customer‑facing expert on customer calls and site visits, supporting strategic customer engagements and complex technical escalations.
• Own the development and qualification of new and emerging technologies including Digital Coherent Optics (DCO) and next‑generation technology.
• Lead validation, interoperability, and qualification efforts for transceivers across multiple platforms and network environments.
• Drive root‑cause analysis and resolution of complex transceiver issues, working directly with customers and manufacturers to resolve them.
• Provide technical guidance on transceiver coding, configuration, and product data management, ensuring consistency, traceability, and scalability across the portfolio.
• Develop a strong relationship with the sales team to increase support for key customers.
• Advise on laboratory strategy, tooling, and infrastructure, ensuring lab capabilities support current and future optical development and testing needs.
• Create and maintain testing and technical requirements documents for customers and vendors.
• Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends in transceivers, influencing internal strategy and external partnerships.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in optical networking and transceiver technologies, with demonstrated impact in product development or systems engineering roles.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with coherent optical communication systems, including functional knowledge of modulation formats, FEC, baud‑rate scaling, and coherent DSP architecture.
• Proven experience developing, testing, and validating pluggable optics, including 100G DCO, 400G ZR/ZR+, 800G, and pre‑standard or early‑deployment 1.6T transceivers.
• Deep familiarity with coherent pluggable form factors, including QSFP28 DCO, QSFP‑DD DCO, OSFP DCO, and CFP2‑DCO.
• Experience integrating and troubleshooting DCO optics on carrier‑class and data‑center platforms, including Cisco, Arista, Juniper, Nokia, Ciena, NVIDIA, Dell, or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards and MSAs, such as OIF 400ZR and OpenZR+, and experience applying them to transceiver development.
• Expertise with fiber‑optic and electronic test equipment for validation, characterization, and failure analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with customers in technical, solution‑oriented, or escalation‑driven engagements.
• Ability to interpret and produce complex technical documentation, including schematics, datasheets, and engineering work instructions.
• Experience with platform configuration, interoperability testing, and advanced troubleshooting across IP and optical domains.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with microcontroller or low‑level firmware development related to optical modules.
• Experience with PCB design, signal integrity, or power/thermal considerations for high‑speed optics.
• Hands‑on experience with network deployments, turn‑up, or operational support.
• Strong understanding of data center network architectures supporting high‑capacity optical interconnects; formal network certifications are a plus but not required.
• Experience with fiber‑optic test equipment such as EXFO and equivalent vendors.

Personal Traits and Characteristics

• Highly organized and detail‑oriented.
• Strong leadership and technical influence.
• Effective communicator across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Results‑driven with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative, innovative, and solution‑focused.

Physical Job Requirements

• Frequently remains in a stationary position and occasionally moves about the office or worksite to access files, supplies, or attend meetings.
• Frequently uses hands and fingers to operate office equipment such as a keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other standard office tools.
• Must be able to visually assess information on screens, documents, and reports.
• Frequently reads, interprets, and analyzes written and visual information.
• Occasionally lifts or moves items up to 10–15 pounds (e.g., files, laptop, meeting materials).
• Must be able to effectively communicate information and ideas in person, via video conference, and through written communication.
• Works primarily in an office or remote office environment with standard business equipment.
• May require extended periods of screen time.
• May occasionally be required to attend meetings or events outside of normal workspace or business hours.

Reports To

Engineering Supervisor

Work Environment

This role is designated as remote or in‑office. Employees may work from their home office, regularly collaborating with colleagues across various company sites during normal or extended business hours when necessary. Office‑based work depends on an employee’s proximity to an Infinite facility and may be determined by management. Travel is part of this role’s responsibilities, including customer visits, supplier meetings, industry conferences, and internal gatherings.

Accommodation

Candidates for the position should be able to perform essential job duties in the described work environment with or without accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Infinite Electronics is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and actively encourage women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply.