In an increasingly connected world, the pandemic has highlighted just how essential telecom networks are to keeping society running. The Network Infrastructure group is at the heart of a revolution to connectivity, pushing the boundaries to deliver more and faster network capacity to people worldwide through our ambition, innovation, and technical expertise
Join Optical Networks division, where innovation meets scale in the AI-driven data center era. With the recent acquisition of Infinera, we’ve united two industry leaders to create an optical networking powerhouse—combining cutting-edge technology with proven leadership to redefine the future of connectivity.
As part of Nokia’s Optical Architecture group, you will have a unique opportunity to lead the design and architecture of novel optical DWDM communication systems. You will be responsible for architecting and implementing new optical hardware and software platforms in collaboration with our Systems Architecture, Systems Engineering and Software Development teams.
In this role, you will own the architecture of assigned DWDM line system cards, and be accountable for their technical success from concept through release. Your key responsibilities will include:
Architecting and optimizing DWDM line system products with fellow architects, accounting for transmission effects such as signal power/OSNR evolution and fiber nonlinearities
Translating Product Line Management requirements into linecard architecture, and documenting trade-offs among performance, cost, risk and schedule
Defining key hardware specifications and baseline designs for these linecards, such as optical amplifiers, ROADMs and multiplexers
Setting the modeling methods and acceptance criteria used to validate linecard designs, and directing experimental feasibility studies of components and modules
Owning the detailed hardware and software system requirements documents (SRDs) for these linecards, and leading design reviews with multi-site engineering teams
Aligning with cross-functional teams, from systems engineering through test and field deployment, on plans and priorities for these linecards
Representing the line system architecture in technical engagements with key customers, including demonstrations of new optical transmission technologies
Mentoring engineers and guiding their technical work
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Expert knowledge of DWDM systems and fiber transmission effects, and how to account for them in system design
Deep knowledge of DWDM transmission hardware, including EDFAs, Raman amplifiers, ROADMs and multiplexer technologies
Experience in long-haul optical link design, including power budgets, OSNR calculations and transmission penalties
Knowledge of advanced coherent modulation formats, with hands-on experience of their transmission over long-haul systems
Proven track record of leading the architecture of optical line system hardware from concept to release
Experience writing system requirements and specifications for optical hardware
Sound, independent judgment on ambiguous and novel technical problems
Skills Required
- Ph.D. in Optics, Engineering, or Physics
- Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience
- Foundational knowledge of DWDM systems and transmission fiber effects
- Hands-on experience with DWDM transmission systems, coherent transponders, EDFAs, Raman amplifiers, and ROADMs
- Working knowledge of closed-loop and open-loop control systems
- Knowledge of advanced coherent modulation formats and practical long-haul transmission experience
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, cross-cultural, and international teams
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.






