Nokia is seeking a Coherent Optical Systems Engineer to join our Optical Systems Group (OSG). The engineer will be responsible for contributing to the design, characterization, and development of leading coherent optical transceivers based on Infinera's next-generation coherent photonic integrated circuit (PIC) and digital signal processor (DSP) technologies. The ideal candidate should be prepared to work with early prototype PIC, DSP, and analog ASIC hardware; to perform digital-optical integration, develop robust calibration and controls methodologies, and carry out performance characterization. Performance characterization will include transceiver SNR, OSNR tolerance, sensitivity studies, etc. OSG works closely with many parts of the company and the candidate should anticipate frequent interactions with the DSP, PIC, analog ASIC, and systems engineering teams. A key component of this role is the ability to understand and make tradeoffs between optical, electrical, and digital capabilities, in order to optimize the overall system performance.
Responsibilities- Digital-optical integration of next-generation coherent optical transceivers
- Development of calibration and controls algorithms to maximize system level performance
- Performance characterization of coherent pluggable transceivers, which will include detailed experimental validation of the constituent sub-components that comprise the pluggable, such as the analog, controls, and DSP ASICs
- Active member of the cross-functional product development team involving software, electronics, optics, and test
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics with experience in optical communications, photonics, high-speed electronics or systems
- New Ph.D. graduates, as well as experienced professionals, are encouraged to apply.
- Fundamental understanding of optical communication systems, DWDM transmission systems, fiber transmission penalties, photonic integrated components, electronic (integrated) circuits, and signal analysis and processing
- Hands-on experience working with system-level optical communication hardware and components
- Extensive understanding of coherent communications systems, including experience with QPSK, 16QAM, and 64QAM, as well as coding and forward error correction algorithms
- Experience characterizing high-speed RF and mm-wave interconnects, amplifiers, and components
- Characterization of RF/mm-wave systems, such as S parameter measurements, jitter measurements, ADC/DAC performance and ENOB
- Hands-on experience with high-speed optical and electrical tests, measurement equipment control, and data acquisition
- Programming experience in Matlab, Python, VB.net, or C desired
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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.
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Skills Required
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics with experience in optical communications, photonics, high-speed electronics, or systems
- Fundamental understanding of optical communication systems, DWDM transmission systems, fiber transmission penalties, photonic integrated components, integrated electronic circuits, and signal analysis and processing
- Hands-on experience with system-level optical communication hardware and components
- Extensive understanding of coherent communications systems, including QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, coding, and forward error correction algorithms
- Experience characterizing high-speed RF and mm-wave interconnects, amplifiers, and components
- Experience with RF/mm-wave system characterization, including S-parameter measurements, jitter measurements, ADC/DAC performance, and ENOB
- Hands-on experience with high-speed optical and electrical testing, measurement equipment control, and data acquisition
- Programming experience in Matlab, Python, VB.NET, or C
Nokia Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Nokia and has not been reviewed or approved by Nokia.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity programs include a global employee share purchase plan with company matching and multi‑year share awards. These mechanisms broaden participation and tie rewards to long‑term outcomes.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes major medical plans with supplementary options such as vision, legal services, and care navigation. The range of offerings indicates comprehensive support for medical needs.
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Parental & Family Support — A global policy grants paid leave for new parents regardless of gender and provides structured return‑to‑work support. Company‑paid life insurance further strengthens family protection across regions.
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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.
