Staff Optical Engineer

NOKIA; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in San Jose is seeking a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer to lead the testing and validation of next-generation optical products. The ideal candidate will have a MS or PhD in a related field and at least 3 years of experience in coherent optical communication. Duties include developing test plans, analyzing data, and mentoring junior engineers. The position offers an excellent opportunity to drive innovative solutions in optical networking, with a focus on enhancing product reliability and performance.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in coherent optical communication.
• Proven understanding of optical transmission systems and their impairments.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed coherent optical transceivers.

Responsibilities

• Translate system requirements into detailed line card architecture.
• Lead technical investigations and mentor junior engineers.
• Verify and enhance optical performance, ensuring all requirements are met.

Skills

Coherent optical communication

Digital signal processing

Python scripting

Problem-solving

Mentoring junior engineers

Education

MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics

Tools

Optical spectrum analyzers

Real-time oscilloscopes

Wave analyzers

Git

Job description

Overview

As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive testing, validation, and performance characterization of the next generation of coherent linecards and pluggables. This position involves developing and executing detailed test plans, analyzing complex data, and ensuring that Nokia's optical products meet stringent performance specifications, quality standards, and industry compliance requirements. In this role, you will face intricate technical problems, requiring advanced problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of state-of-the-art DSP, optical front-end technologies, and basic transmission impairments. You will play a critical role in the product development lifecycle, from early-stage integration and contributing to detailed line card architectures with peer engineering groups, to final product release, directly driving the delivery of high-performance and reliable optical networking solutions.

Responsibilities

• Translate system requirements into detailed line card architecture in collaboration with peer engineering groups.
• Lead complex technical investigations, drive innovative solutions, and mentor junior engineers.
• Verify and enhance optical performance, including testing aspects such as OSNR, signal quality, and environmental resilience. Compare test results against specifications to ensure all requirements are met as well as identify and implement improvements for modules and systems.
• Develop and explore strategies to integrate the use of AI into the ODVT test environment
• Drive test automation initiatives by developing and maintaining robust Python-based scripts to significantly enhance testing efficiency and coverage.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, manufacturing and design teams to diagnose and resolve optical performance issues, ensuring timely solutions.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related majors.
• 3 years of experience in the area of coherent optical communication.
• Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing and high-speed optical signal generation and detection.
• Proven understanding of coherent optical transmission systems and their linear and nonlinear impairments and tradeoffs (e.g., cross-talk, OSNR, chromatic dispersion, PMD, SPM, XPM, FWM).
• Expertise in standard industry design validation processes and the product life cycle.
• Hands-on experience with characterizing and troubleshooting high-speed coherent optical transceivers using various lab equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), wave analyzers, and real-time oscilloscopes.
• Proficiency in Python scripting for test automation, data acquisition, and analysis.

Desirable qualifications

• Hands-on experience with system-level optical communication hardware and components.
• Proficiency in Git workflow and version control systems (e.g., Git, GitHub, Bitbucket)
• Experience with database management systems such as SQL, NoSQL, or time series databases.

About Nokia

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.