As a Manufacturing Optical Product Engineer, you will serve as the technical lead for complex optical products in both high-mix and low-mix volume manufacturing environments. You will be the primary technical bridge between R&D, Internal Engineering, and Supplier Management teams to ensure seamless product shipments. This role is critical in managing key performance indicators (KPIs) and driving continuous process and cost improvements across the product lifecycle.
Responsibilities1. Manufacturing Performance & KPI Management
- Yield & Quality Ownership: Monitor and manage manufacturing KPIs, including first-pass test yields, Out-of-Box Experience (OBE), and warranty failure rates.
- Downtime Mitigation: Lead troubleshooting efforts to resolve production-line issues, minimizing manufacturing downtime and ensuring stable factory output.
- Shipment Fulfillment: Provide daily production support to ensure product shipments meet revenue and delivery targets.
2. Technical Leadership & Problem Solving
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Conduct deep-dive investigations into manufacturing and quality issues using structured methodologies such as 8D, Six Sigma, or LEAN.
- Failure Analysis: Coordinate failure analysis on defects to identify structural improvements and prevent repeat failures.
- Optical Diagnostics: Execute module-level diagnostics, including alignment checks and sensor accuracy investigations.
3. Product Lifecycle & Engineering Management
- Change Management: Manage Bill of Materials (BOM) and lead Engineering Change Management (ECM/ECN) processes for released products.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives and process optimizations to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
- Alternative Sourcing: Identify and qualify alternative materials or components when existing parts face obsolescence.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Technical Bridge: Serve as the primary point of contact between R&D, internal engineering teams, and supplier’s manufacturing/engineering teams.
- NPI Support: Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) by influencing designs for manufacturability (DFM) and testability (DFT).
- Supplier Engagement: Work closely with contract manufacturers and suppliers to ensure they meet stringent quality and performance specifications.
5. Supplier Auditing & Quality Oversight
- Production Audits: Conduct regular technical and process audits at supplier facilities to ensure adherence to manufacturing instructions, quality standards, and safety protocols.
- Process Validation: Verify that supplier production lines are optimized for optical precision and that all calibration and maintenance schedules for specialized optical equipment are strictly followed.
- Compliance & Risk: Identify potential bottlenecks or quality risks within the supplier’s workflow and collaborate on corrective action plans (CAPA) to mitigate those risks.
You have:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Experience: 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or product engineering, preferably within an optical environment.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in interpreting optical measurements and understanding fundamental optics (reflection, refraction, imaging).
- Optical Splicing Expertise: familiarity with fusion splicing requirements, fiber preparation, cleaving techniques, and the use of OTDRs or optical power meters to verify splice quality is preferred.
- Soft Skills:
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to bridge technical gaps between diverse cross functional teams.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions under pressure
- Ability to work with minimal supervision, taking initiative to solve problems and drive projects to completion.
It would be nice if you also had:
- Familiarity with optical test equipment (Oscilloscopes, Bit Error Rate Testers, Optical Spectrum Analyzers, Tunable Lasers).
- Understanding of SMT processes and PCB assembly requirements.
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.
- Flexible and hybrid working schemes
- A minimum of 90 days of Maternity and Paternity Leave, with the option to return to work within a year following the birth or adoption of a child (based on eligibility)
- Life insurance to all employees to provide peace of mind and financial security
- Well-being programs to support your mental and physical health
- Opportunities to join and receive support from Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs)
- Employee Growth Solutions to support your personalized career & skills development
- Diverse pool of Coaches & Mentors to whom you have easy access
- A learning environment which promotes personal growth and professional development - for your role and beyond
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related field
- 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or product engineering
- Proficiency in interpreting optical measurements and understanding fundamental optics
- Optical splicing expertise
- Familiarity with optical test equipment
- Understanding of SMT processes and PCB assembly
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.
Nokia Insights
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.
