System Architecture Engineer

Adtran Networks North America Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Adtran Networks North America Inc. is seeking a System Architecture Engineer to advance high-capacity WDM optical transmission systems.

You will contribute to system-level specifications, develop test automation, and apply ML techniques for performance optimization across inter-data center and long-haul links. The role emphasizes research excellence with opportunities to publish and present findings, working with cutting-edge components and equations to maximize spectral efficiency and

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or related field.
• Strong background in photonics and optical telecommunications with solid opto-electronic circuit understanding.
• Hands-on experience with optical components, fiber-optic systems, and lab equipment.
• Proficiency with MATLAB or Python for automation, analysis, and modeling.
• Knowledge of DSP algorithms for coherent detection and ML concepts for data analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; proven research output.

Responsibilities

• Investigate emerging component technologies to enhance WDM transmission performance.
• Set up optical fiber transmission links and quantify system performance under varied conditions.
• Develop test-automation software to improve measurement accuracy and data collection.
• Perform network simulations using fiber-optic tools to complement experiments.
• Develop algorithms for estimating transmission impairments and deployment rules for ADTRAN WDM systems.
• Apply machine-learning techniques to analyze, predict, or optimize optical-system performance.
• Document results in reports and presentations; contribute to conferences/publications.

Skills

Photonic systems

MATLAB

Python

Machine learning basics

Communication skills

Research publications

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering or Photonics

MSc in Electrical Engineering or Photonics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

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! Thanks for your interest in working on our team!

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled System Architecture Engineer to join our Optical Systems team. In this role, the qualified engineer will contribute to development of high-capacity optical fiber transmission systems for a wide variety of applications – from inter-data center links to long-haul WDM networks. The successful candidate will work with the latest generation of components and advanced optical system configurations to enhance system performance, maximize spectral efficiency, increase transmission distances, and improve wavelength routing flexibility. The results of these studies will be used to generate system-level specifications and engineering rules for all deployments of Adtran’s WDM product line.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Investigate emerging component technologies to enhance WDM transmission performance.
• Set up optical fiber transmission links and conduct experiments to quantify system performance under varied transmission conditions.
• Develop test‑automation software to improve measurement accuracy and accelerate data collection.
• Perform network simulations using commercial or proprietary fiber‑optic transmission tools to complement experimental findings.
• Develop algorithms for estimating transmission impairments and define engineering rules for deployment of Adtran WDM systems based on results from lab testing, simulations, and analytical modeling.
• Apply machine‑learning techniques to analyze, predict, or optimize optical‑system performance.
• Document technical results in written reports, slide presentations, and internal or customer‑facing materials.
• Use relevant new results for conference presentations and scientific journal publications.
• Other projects and assignments may result and be assigned to accommodate the changing needs of the department and the Company.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field.
• Strong background in photonics and optical telecommunications, with a solid understanding of opto‑electronic circuits used in fiber‑optic transmission.
• Hands‑on experience with optical components, fiber‑optic systems, and relevant laboratory test equipment.
• Proficiency with MATLAB or Python for test automation, data analysis, and modeling.
• Knowledge of integrated opto-electronic circuits and DSP algorithms for coherent detection.
• Foundational knowledge of machine‑learning concepts and experience applying ML algorithms to engineering or scientific data.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven track record of successful research activity through journal publications and conference papers in the field of WDM transmission.
• An innovative mindset to address the challenges of future DWDM transmission networks.

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.