Senior Hardware Engineer- Optical

ADTRAN, Inc. in; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ADTRAN, Inc. is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer- Optical to join our team in Atlanta, GA.

You will contribute to the design, evaluation, and integration of DWDM optical components and subsystems, collaborating across optical, electrical, and software disciplines to deliver high-performance, manufacturable, and cost-effective solutions. Responsibilities include developing passive/active optical components, hardware control electronics, and test automation tools, plus participating in design

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics or related technical discipline.
• MS degree preferred.
• 2+ years in optical communications, test/measurement, hardware development, or mixed-signal electronics.

Responsibilities

• Define specifications and integrate optical components and subsystems for DWDM systems.
• Design and develop electronic circuits for laser, photodetector, and optical subsystems.
• Develop analog/digital control algorithms and mixed-signal hardware.
• Create and review PCB layout, schematics, and design documentation.
• Perform lab testing, data collection, and reliability qualification plans.

Skills

Optical communications

Test and measurement

Hardware development

Mixed-signal electronics

Photonics

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS degree

Optical Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

C++

Visual Basic

Excel automation

Job description

Senior Hardware Engineer- Optical (Finance)

Welcome!

Our Growth is Creating Great Opportunities!

Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel suit you best and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new postings that might interest you!

Thanks for your interest in working on our team!

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.