Applied R&D is responsible for target‑oriented research and multi‑disciplinary design, development, and implementation of hardware, software, and systems, including maintenance support and techno‑economic consulting. The function combines deep technical expertise with systematic application of existing knowledge to incrementally improve products, operational processes, and customer‑specific features.
This role also encompasses leadership of the engineering organization, including development and enhancement of products and services, prioritization and resolution across engineering dimensions, formulation of long‑term objectives, and oversight of budgets and schedules. It further contributes to innovation management through optimization of product delivery, technology surveillance, patent activity, and monitoring of emerging technology trends.
Design and Development: Direct manager of the local IP HW engineering staff at the Sunnyvale California site. Work with program leads to allocate design resources and eliminate roadblocks. Ensure all required resources are available to the teams and escalate when necessary to support. Drive local IP HW site specific initiatives supporting the development process. Work with program leads to drive the sites product development direction by implementing the VP / groups strategy. This position requires a broad view of the HW development process, the groups overall mission and a strong ability to build consensus across the organization.
Organization: Advocate and driver of IP HW SV site career planning, compensation management and employee development. Drives the IP HW site hiring and resourcing plan. Coordinates with other site leads and manages day to day local group issues. This position requires an active knowledge of the pulse of the site, close coordination and interaction with the IP HW technical leads and day to day interaction with every member of the team. This position requires the ability to motivate and develop both managers and individual contributors reporting to it.
Budgeting: Owner of the IP HW SV site engineering budget. Manages site specific travel and expense approvals in concert with the IP HW purchasing organization.
Communication: As the voice of the IP HW SV site this position advocates upward and outward to advance and enable the site to perform at peak performance. This includes being a strong voice in recruiting both inside and outside the company.
Infrastructure: Responsible for ensuring the SV IP HW site infrastructure, labs, ovens, office areas are maintained and receive required upgrades as required for peak team performance.
Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. An advanced degree is a plus but not required.
Experience: 10+ years of hands-on experience in hardware engineering, particularly in the telecom/datacom fields. Proven track record of leading successful Hardware engineering teams in delivering high-quality systems and products on time and within budget. Demonstration of people skills and the ability to approach every situation with compassion and forethought.
Technical Expertise: Extensive experience in designing and developing hardware systems, with deep knowledge of networking, hardware architecture, and systems integration.
Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to tackle technical and group challenges head-on.
Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work directly with cross-functional teams to achieve seamless integration and development.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a hands-on approach to adapting to changing priorities and technical demands.
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.
- Corporate Retirement Savings Plan
- Health and dental benefits
- Short-term disability, and long-term disability
- Life insurance, and AD&D – Company paid 2x base pay
- Optional or Supplemental life and AD&D insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
- Paid time off for holidays and Vacation
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Tuition Assistance Plan
- Adoption assistance
- Employee Assistance Program/Work Life Resource Program
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What We Do
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.
