We’re at the forefront of a once in a generational change in the broadband industry. Join us as we innovate, help our customers reach their potential, and connect underserved communities with unrivaled digital experiences.
Empower Communities. Elevate Connectivity. Lead the Future of Optical Access.
At Calix, we’re building the next generation of fiber access networks that enable communities to thrive, close the digital divide, and deliver world‑class broadband experiences. We are seeking a Principal Optical Communications Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, validation, and deployment of high‑performance optical access systems at scale.
This role is ideal for a seasoned optical engineer with deep expertise in optical communications who is motivated to influence architecture, mentor engineers, and drive technology from concept through mass production.
What You’ll Do:
Provide technical leadership in the architecture, design, and optimization of optical interfaces and subsystems for Calix Optical Access Networks.
Own system‑level optical performance, including link budgets, noise analysis, dispersion, margins, and interoperability across access network architectures.
Lead cross‑functional efforts spanning silicon vendors, module suppliers, hardware, firmware, and systems teams to deliver robust fiber broadband solutions.
Define and review optical specifications, validation plans, and acceptance criteria for transceivers and optical subsystems.
Drive hands‑on lab investigations, including root‑cause analysis of complex optical and system‑level issues.
Lead technology transitions by actively representing the company within FSAN, ITU‑T, and IEEE, shaping standards evolution through a combination of deep system‑level insight and ongoing hands‑on laboratory investigation, ensuring standards positions are grounded in real‑world performance, robustness, and thought leadership.
Mentor and influence engineers, raising the technical bar across the optics, hardware and software teams.
What You Bring:
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
10+ years of professional experience in optical communications system design and development.
Deep understanding of optical link design, including lasers, modulators, photodiodes, TIAs, dispersion, noise, and thermal effects.
Proven experience with high‑speed optical systems spanning 10G through 400G, including familiarity with IEEE 802.3 and access‑network standards, FSAN and CableLabs.
Strong background in lab characterization and system validation, including optical data transmission, eye/constellation analysis, and optical network systems interoperability.
Experience working directly with optical module vendors and silicon partners to drive requirements and resolve issues.
Ability to translate complex optical behavior into clear system‑level tradeoffs and recommendations.
Preferred / Differentiators:
Experience with Coherent and/or Direct‑Detect access technologies (PON, Metro/DWDM Transport, WDM broadband access).
Familiarity with optical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, VPI, Python‑based analysis).
Background in ROADM, WDM systems, or silicon photonics.
Track record of technical leadership, authorship of specifications, or contribution to standards bodies.
Why Calix:
Lead technology that matters—your work directly improves connectedness for communities around the world.
Influence real optical platform products at scale, from early architecture decisions through customer adoption.
Collaborate with deeply experienced engineers in optics, hardware, and systems.
Shape the future of broadband access and create this fast-approaching wave of disruption in the optical communications field.
Location:
This is an on-site position in Plymouth, MN
#LI-Remote
The base pay range for this position varies based on the geographic location. More information about the pay range specific to candidate location and other factors will be shared during the recruitment process. Individual pay is determined based on location of residence and multiple factors, including job-related knowledge, skills and experience.
San Francisco Bay Area:
165,600 - 281,800 USD AnnualAll Other US Locations:
As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for a bonus. For information on our benefits click here.
Skills Required
- 10+ years of professional experience in optical communications system design and development
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics
- Deep understanding of optical link design including lasers, modulators, photodiodes
- Proven experience with high-speed optical systems spanning 10G through 400G
- Strong background in lab characterization and system validation
- Experience working directly with optical module vendors and silicon partners
Calix Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Calix and has not been reviewed or approved by Calix.
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Flexible Benefits — Remote‑first policies include home‑internet reimbursement, home‑office furniture support, and work‑from‑anywhere flexibility. Feedback suggests these options make the package adaptable across locations and work styles.
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Healthcare Strength — Coverage spans medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents alongside EAP and virtual therapy/coaching. Wellbeing elements like lifestyle allowances, recharge days, and no‑internal‑meeting days further bolster health support.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation, wellness days, holidays, bereavement and jury‑duty leave offer broad time‑off access. Parental/bonding and caregiver leave, plus adoption assistance and medical‑travel coverage, extend support through major life events.
Calix Insights
What We Do
Innovative communications service providers rely on Calix platforms to help them master and monetize the complex infrastructure between their subscribers and the cloud. Calix is the leading global provider of the cloud and software platforms, systems, and services required to deliver the unified access network and smart premises of tomorrow. Our platforms and services help our customers build next generation networks by embracing a DevOps operating model, optimize the subscriber experience by leveraging big data analytics, and turn the complexity of the smart home and business into new revenue streams.
