Senior Hardware Engineer- Optical

Adtran Networks North America Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Adtran is seeking an Optical Hardware Engineer to join our team developing next-generation DWDM optical transport solutions. You will define specifications, evaluate performance, and integrate optical components along with mixed-signal hardware development for laser and photodetector subsystems.

You will work across optical, electrical, mechanical, firmware, software, manufacturing, and quality teams to drive reliable, low-cost solutions throughout the product lifecycle.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical/Optical Engineering or physics, MS preferred.
• 2+ years in optical communications, hardware development or photonics.
• Experience with optical test equipment and mixed-signal electronics.
• Proficiency in Visual Basic, LabVIEW and test automation tools.

Responsibilities

• Define, evaluate, qualify and integrate passive/active optical components and subsystems.
• Design and develop electronic circuits for laser, photodetector, and optical subsystem control.
• Develop software tools for instrument control, data acquisition and test monitoring.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to balance performance, reliability and cost.
• Support hardware qualification activities and design reviews.

Skills

Optical engineering

Electrical engineering

Photonics

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS degree preferred

Tools

Visual Basic

Excel automation

LabVIEW

C++

Test automation

Job description

Overview ADTRAN is seeking a highly motivated Optical Hardware Engineer to join our team developing next-generation DWDM optical transport solutions. This role will contribute to the design, evaluation, qualification, and integration of advanced optical components and subsystems used in high-performance optical networking products. The successful candidate will collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines to develop innovative solutions that meet demanding performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost objectives. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies that enable the future of optical communication networks while participating throughout the entire product development lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities

Optical System Development

• Define specifications, evaluate performance, qualify, and integrate passive and active optical components and subsystems.
• Support the development of DWDM optical communication systems incorporating: DWDM modules ROADMs (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers) Wavelength-selective switches Optical amplifiers Laser and photodetector-based subsystems.
• Analyze system performance and support optical design trade-off studies.
• Collaborate with component suppliers and technology partners to evaluate emerging optical technologies.

Hardware Design

• Design and develop electronic circuits for laser, photodetector, and optical subsystem control.
• Implement and optimize analog and digital control algorithms.
• Contribute to mixed-signal hardware development and troubleshooting activities.
• Provide PCB layout guidance and participate in schematic, layout, and design reviews.
• Support hardware integration, verification, and product qualification activities.

Test, Validation, and Automation

• Perform hands-on laboratory testing, characterization, and validation of optical components and subsystems.
• Develop software tools and automation solutions for: Instrument control Data acquisition Test monitoring Performance characterization.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to identify performance trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and execute qualification and reliability test plans.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with optical, electrical, mechanical, firmware, software, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams.
• Drive technical solutions that balance performance, packaging, interface, reliability, and cost requirements.
• Participate in design reviews and support root-cause analysis and corrective actions when necessary.
• Create and maintain high-quality engineering documentation, reports, specifications, and test procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Education: BS in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline. MS degree is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant engineering experience in one or more of the following areas: Optical communications Test and measurement systems Hardware development Mixed-signal electronics Photonics or related technologies.
• Technical Skills: Understanding of optical communication systems and optical networking technologies. Experience with test equipment and laboratory measurement techniques. Knowledge of analog and digital electronics. Experience with mixed-signal circuit design and debugging. Familiarity with laser and photodetector control systems. Ability to analyze technical data and solve complex engineering problems.
• Software Skills: Experience with one or more of the following is desirable: Visual Basic Microsoft Excel automation LabVIEW C++ Test automation and data acquisition software development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DWDM transmission systems.
• Knowledge of ROADMs, wavelength-selective switching technologies, and optical amplifiers.
• Familiarity with analog servo-loop control systems.
• Experience supporting products through the complete development lifecycle from concept through production.
• Knowledge of optical component reliability and qualification requirements.
• Familiarity with industry standards including: Telcordia IEC ITU.
• Experience working with external vendors and technology suppliers.

Adtran is a leading global provider of fiber-based networking solutions and SaaS applications, focused on the broadband access market. Our comprehensive portfolio spans from the metro core to the customer premises, enabling network providers to deliver Gigabit broadband to every home and business. Our vision is to enable a fully connected world where the power to communicate is available to everyone, everywhere. At Adtran, we believe in our people. With a diverse and inclusive team spread across the globe, our culture embraces creativity and seeks innovation and quality in everything we do. Built on a foundation of communication, trust, collaboration, and an entrepreneurial spirit enables us to be a global technology leader and a strong customer advocate. Adtran began operations in January 1986. Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Adtran is located in Cummings Research Park - the second-largest research park in the U.S. and fourth-largest in the world. Our mailing address is 901 Explorer Boulevard, Huntsville, Alabama, 35806. Adtran, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adtran Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADTN and FSE: QH9). Find out more at adtran.com, or follow our story on LinkedIn and Twitter.