Staff PIC RF Test Development Engineer

NOKIA; United States; On-site; USD 139,283 - 258,670; Full time

Job summary

Nokia in the United States is seeking a highly skilled engineer for the Network Infrastructure group, within the Optical Networks division post-Infinera acquisition, to push AI-enabled data center scale and testing innovation.

You will verify designs, develop test plans, and collaborate with PIC, ASIC, and system teams to ensure robust releases for next-generation coherent and direct-detect technologies.

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent with 3+ years of applicable graduate-level and/or industrial experience.
• Experience with high-speed optoelectronic devices and RF communication systems.
• Programming for automation of instrument control (Matlab, C/C++, Python).

Responsibilities

• Lead design verification tests for high-speed coherent and direct-detect components or subsystems.
• Design test plans and validation tests; execute module performance validation.
• Collaborate with PIC, ASIC, module and system teams to ensure quality releases.

Skills

Optoelectronics

Coherent systems

Direct-detect systems

Lab testing

Matlab

C/C++/Python

VNA/PNA

LCA

AWG

Oscilloscope

Education

PhD or MSc in EE/Physics

Tools

VNA/PNA

LCA

AWG

Oscilloscope

Job description

In an increasingly connected world, the pandemic has highlighted just how essential telecom networks are to keeping society running.The Network Infrastructuregroup is at the heart of a revolution to connectivity, pushing the boundaries to deliver more and faster network capacity to people worldwide through our ambition, innovation, and technical expertise

Join Optical Networks division, where innovation meets scale in the AI-driven data center era. With the recent acquisition of Infinera, we’ve united two industry leaders to create an optical networking powerhouse—combining cutting-edge technology with proven leadership to redefine the future of connectivity.

NION2026

Your responsibilities

• Lead high-speed, coherent and direct-detect component or subsystem design verification test
• Design of test plans and algorithms, execution of module performance validation tests
• Work closely with Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) design, mixed signal ASIC, module design teams as well as system engineering group to ensure quality release of new products

Your skills and experience

• Fundamental understanding of high-speed optoelectronic device characteristics and/or high-speed RF communication electronics
• Familiarity with coherent and/or direct-detect communication (sub)systems: modulation formats, multiplexing concepts, basic performance metrics of broadband communication systems
• Hands-on experience with high-speed optoelectronic devicecharacterization techniques (e.g. >50GHz electro-optical small signal test, QPSK/PAM large signal test) and equipment (e.g. VNA/PNA, LCA, AWG, real-time oscilloscope)
• Fundamental understanding of active semiconductor optoelectronic device characteristics (e.g. semiconductor lasers/amplifiers, photo diodes, modulators)
• Programming experience in Matlab, C, C++, Python, VB.net or similar for automation of instrument control and data acquisition
• Familiar with active and passive semiconductor optoelectronic device characteristics (e.g. semiconductor lasers/amplifiers, photo diodes, modulators, waveguides) is a plus
• Ability to build, maintain and troubleshoot complex test hardware and software in a cross-functional environment
• Attention to detail and willingness to produce detailed documentation
• Ability to work well in cross-functional development teams, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills

Education / Experience

PhD. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent with minimum of 3 years of applicable graduate-level and/or industrial experience in optical communications, photonics, high speed electronics or systems.We will consider Master’s degree with 3+ years of applicable experience.

At Nokia, we want every candidate to be able to perform their best. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know. All requests are treated confidentially.

Job Info

• Job Category Applied R&D
• Posting Date 07/31/2026
• Degree Level Doctor’s degree (e.g PhD)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Type Experienced
• Job Identification 39095
• Salary Range US Salary Range USD 139,283.72 - USD 258,669.77
  *Plus Variable Compensation for Eligible roles
• Regular or Temporary Regular

AI Statement: Nokia embraces the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within our recruiting process to enhance the candidate experience and significantly improve our operational efficiencies. By leveraging AI-powered tools, we aim to create a more responsive and equitable journey for all applicants. Concurrently, we advocate for the intelligent, ethical, and safe use of AI by candidates and applicants when preparing and submitting their applications for our roles. This includes ensuring that any AI-generated content is thoroughly reviewed for accuracy, originality, and relevance, and that its use aligns with principles of transparency and integrity. Our goal is to foster a recruitment environment that benefits from technological advancements while upholding fairness, authenticity, and human oversight.