Staff Optical Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a talented Optical HW Engineer to join our dynamic team, contributing to the design and development of cutting-edge optical coherent transceiver plug/transponder line card, plus integration and oDVT (optical design verification test).

You will own optical design and integration at system and product level: optical architecture, how the product is verified, manufacturing handoff, and technical authority on optical design and DVT. You will turn product requirements into optical architecture, design rules, and oDVT coverage; lead closure of performance gaps across optics / DSP / firmware / card; and be accountable for optical quality at release.

NILightpath

How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn

• Own optical design architecture for coherent transceivers and transponder line cards: optical path, component/module strategy, schematic/design rules for optics, and approval of design updates.
• Lead design reviews of schematic, layout, mechanical fiber, thermal, and SI as they affect optical performance; approve optical design for the product.
• Decide tradeoffs among PIC, analog ASIC, DSP, pluggable vs embedded, and line-card optics; negotiate with architecture, ASIC, and PIC teams.
• Set oDVT scope, pass/fail criteria, and coverage vs product requirements, impairments, environment, and MSA/reference (OIF, OpenZR+, OpenROADM, ITU-T as applicable).
• Integrate optical modules into coherent transceivers and transponder line cards, ensuring optical performance.
• Compare results to spec and MSA/reference; drive closure with DSP, PIC, analog, FW, and hardware.
• Translate oDVT findings into design changes (BOM, schematic, firmware defaults, mechanical fiber routing).
• Apply DFx (test, manufacture, reliability, compliance) in the optical design; not added after oDVT, and not only a lab prototype.
• Define calibration architecture and the manufacturing optical test strategy (yield, test time, DVT-to-production correlation).
• Approve test plans, procedures, and release reports; sign optical design and oDVT for the product.
• Own the optical validation automation strategy (Python/framework, data quality); not only individual script fixes.
• Create and approve technical documentation (architecture, design rules, test plans, procedures, reports).
• Lead cross-functional (XF) work on optical performance; represent optical design, integration, and oDVT for the product.
  
  

Must-have-skills

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Ph.D. a plus).
• Must have worked on optical line cards/systems.
• Must have at least 8+ years of proven experience in optical design, integration, and testing of coherent transceivers/transponders, including ownership of optical transceiver design and optical DVT through product release.
• Deep coherent transmission: QAM, FEC/DSP basics, DWDM impairments (OSNR, CD, PMD, SPM/XPM/FWM, crosstalk) and spec tradeoffs.
• Familiarity with optical characterization equipment and measurement techniques.
• Ability to define and approve design/test plans, troubleshoot complex optical systems, and communicate results clearly.
• Hands-on expertise with optical characterization equipment and measurement techniques.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex optical systems.
• Excellent communication skills.
  
  

Nice-to-have-skills

• Hands-on expertise with optical characterization equipment and measurement techniques.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex optical systems.
  
  

About Us

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.

Learn more about life at Nokia .

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 .

About The Team

Some of our benefits in India:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work–life balance
• Health and well-being support – medical insurance for you and your family, health check-ups, life and accident insurance, well-being programs, and employee resource groups
• A minimum of 90 days of Maternity and Paternity Leave based on eligibility
• Personal Support Service 24/7 – a confidential support channel open to all Nokia employees and their families in challenging situations
• Career growth & mobility – technical career paths, job rotations, international assignments, and relocation support
• Continuous learning – technical certifications, mentoring programs, coaching, and digital learning platforms
• Opportunities to innovate and contribute through Nokia's research and development environment
• Recognition programs that celebrate outstanding contributions
• Workplace support – ergonomic working support and mobile device programs based on eligibility