Technical leadership role focused on the architecture, design, and execution of next-generation optical engines. This individual contributor position combines deep technical expertise in RF and high speed device design with the strategic oversight of PIC development processes and product roadmaps. The candidate will work within the PIC design and engineering team, alongside a group of strong individual contributors, on simulation, data analysis and product development leveraging reliable design concepts. Responsibilities will include guiding the performance verification and optimization of the devices and contributing towards the transfer to manufacturing of PIC products
NION2026
Responsibilities- Technical Lead: Drive the design and test strategy for high-performance InP based 200Gbaud+ modulators and photodetectors within Nokia’s optical engine portfolio.
- RF Design & Signal Integrity: Lead RF design for Coherent and IMDD PICs, collaborating closely with assembly teams to optimize signal integrity and mitigate crosstalk.
- Device Physics and Epi Design: Apply semiconductor physics expertise to optimize device structures, focusing performance metrics (e.g., Vpi, extinction ratio, leakage, and responsivity) to ensure robust fundamental operation.
- Design Methodology: Establish and execute rigorous PIC design methodologies and fabrication, test processes to ensure scalable, high-quality hardware delivery.
- Test Strategy & Execution: Partner with test engineering to develop and implement comprehensive test strategies for both R&D development and production environments.
- Fabrication Interface: Partner with internal teams to define, troubleshoot, and optimize the PIC fabrication process, ensuring alignment between design requirements and process capabilities.
- Technical Problem Solving: Independently resolve complex organizational and technical bottlenecks to keep development cycles on track.
- Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and leadership to scale the team’s collective capabilities in support of optical engine development.
MS/PhD in engineering, 10+ years’ experience in telecommunications, optoelectronics, or microelectronics development with significant time in management role
Significant experience with optical component design for performance, especially for InP devices
Familiarity with InP opto-electronic fabrication, material characterization and epitaxy knowledge experience with product development is highly desired.
The Job will require frequent collaborative interaction with fab, epitaxy, test and reliability engineering, packaging, product engineering, and system engineering groups
Strong leadership and communication and engineering and project management skills
Experienced in leading a diverse team of strong Individual contributors
Technical depth to understand concerns and communicate status and resolution to executive leadership team
Ability to evaluate candidates, mentor and develop the team
NION2026
About UsNokia 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
- MS/PhD in engineering
- 10+ years' experience in telecommunications, optoelectronics, or microelectronics development
- Significant experience with optical component design for performance, especially for InP devices
- Familiarity with InP opto-electronic fabrication, material characterization and epitaxy
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Experience in leading a diverse team
- Technical depth to understand concerns and communicate effectively
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.
