We are seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer to join Nokia's optical team. You will own calibration, sustaining, and optical integration for our high-speed coherent linecard products—supporting the current generation in development and production, while helping define methods and practices for the next generation of coherent optics.
You will work across prototypes/EVB bring-up, linecard integration, manufacturing enablement, and ongoing performance sustainment, partnering with DSP, hardware, firmware, test, and manufacturing teams.
- Own optical (and related electro-optic) calibration architecture, procedures, and tooling for coherent modules/linecards across development, NPI, and manufacturing; correlate calibration results with system KPIs (e.g. BER/FEC margin, OSNR tolerance, EVM/Q).
- Lead sustaining for optical performance: production/yield issues, field returns, failure analysis support, root-cause analysis, and durable corrective actions with cross-functional owners.
- Drive optical integration from first prototypes/EVB through linecard integration and manufacturing process enablement; develop and document bring-up and optimization flows that scale from lab to factory.
- Analyze test and calibration data; produce clear reports with findings, risk assessment, and recommendations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, debug, and optimize coherent optical performance; troubleshoot system issues to maintain performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
- Contribute calibration/integration learnings from the current product generation into next-generation coherent platforms.
- Serve as a technical leader and mentor for optical engineers; communicate status, risks, and trade-offs to project leads and management.
- Stay current with advancements in coherent optics and fiber communications and apply relevant methods to team practice.
You have:
- Master's or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field—or equivalent industry experience.
- Minimum of 7+ years of experience in optical engineering, with a focus on high-speed optical systems / coherent transceivers / linecards.
- Proven expertise in optical calibration, sustaining/debug, and/or optical integration of coherent modules or linecards.
- Strong knowledge of optical components, systems, and coherent transmission technologies.
- In-depth understanding of coherent transceivers and DSP blocks at Tx & Rx (e.g. pre-emphasis, equalization, carrier phase recovery, timing recovery, QAM modulation) and how they interact with calibration and optical front-end behavior.
- Hands-on experience characterizing and troubleshooting high-speed coherent optics with lab equipment such as OSA, wave/spectrum analyzers, real-time oscilloscopes, optical switches/attenuators, and power meters.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to own issues from first symptom to verified fix. Strong communication and teamwork across optical, DSP, hardware, firmware, test, and manufacturing stakeholders.
- Demonstrated technical leadership or mentoring of engineers (formal or informal) on a shipping or advanced-development optical product.
- Experience in Python coding and object-oriented programming for lab automation, calibration, and data analysis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience taking coherent optics products from prototype → NPI → manufacturing, including factory calibration and yield improvement.
- Familiarity with ODVT / design verification and how calibration gates interact with release criteria.
- Proficiency with optical simulation/modeling tools.
- Familiarity with industry standards (e.g. OIF, IEEE, ITU) for coherent interfaces. Familiarity with Git workflows (GitHub, Bitbucket, etc.).
- Experience with databases or data pipelines for test/calibration data (SQL, NoSQL, or time-series).
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
Skills Required
- Master's or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
- 7+ years of optical engineering experience focused on high-speed optical systems, coherent transceivers, or linecards
- Expertise in optical calibration, sustaining/debug, and/or optical integration of coherent modules or linecards
- Strong knowledge of optical components, systems, and coherent transmission technologies
- Understanding of coherent transceivers and DSP blocks at transmit and receive, including pre-emphasis, equalization, carrier phase recovery, timing recovery, and QAM modulation
- Hands-on experience characterizing and troubleshooting high-speed coherent optics using optical and electrical laboratory equipment
- Strong problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and issue-ownership skills
- Technical leadership or mentoring experience on a shipping or advanced-development optical product
- Python coding and object-oriented programming experience for lab automation, calibration, and data analysis
- Experience taking coherent optics products from prototype through NPI and manufacturing, including factory calibration and yield improvement
- Familiarity with ODVT/design verification and calibration gates tied to release criteria
- Proficiency with optical simulation or modeling tools
- Familiarity with OIF, IEEE, and ITU coherent interface standards
- Familiarity with Git workflows such as GitHub or Bitbucket
- Experience with SQL, NoSQL, or time-series databases and test/calibration data pipelines
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.
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