Staff Optical Engineer

Posted Yesterday
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3 Locations
Remote or Hybrid
Mid level
Software
The Role
Leads optical design verification testing for coherent linecards and pluggables. Develops test plans, characterizes optical performance, analyzes data, investigates technical issues, and ensures compliance with specifications. Builds Python-based test automation, explores AI integration, collaborates with hardware, firmware, manufacturing, and design teams, and mentors junior engineers throughout the product development lifecycle.
Summary Generated by Built In

As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive testing, validation, and performance characterization of the next generation of coherent linecards and pluggables. This position involves developing and executing detailed test plans, analyzing complex data, and ensuring that Nokia's optical products meet stringent performance specifications, quality standards, and industry compliance requirements. In this role, you will frequently face intricate technical problems, requiring advanced problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of state-of-the-art DSP, optical front-end technologies, and basic transmission impairments. You will play a critical role in the product development lifecycle, from early-stage integration and contributing to detailed line card architectures with peer engineering groups, to final product release, directly driving the delivery of high-performance and reliable optical networking solutions.

Responsibilities
  • Translate system requirements into detailed line card architecture in collaboration with peer engineering groups. 
  • Lead complex technical investigations, drive innovative solutions, and mentor junior engineers.
  • Verify and enhance optical performance, including testing aspects such as OSNR, signal quality, and environmental resilience. Compare test results against specifications to ensure all requirements are met as well as identify and implement improvements for modules and systems.
  • Develop and explore strategies to integrate the use of AI into the ODVT test environment
  • Drive test automation initiatives by developing and maintaining robust Python-based scripts to significantly enhance testing efficiency and coverage.
  • Collaborate with hardware, firmware, manufacturing and design teams to diagnose and resolve optical performance issues, ensuring timely solutions.
Qualifications

You have

  • MS or PhD degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related majors.
  • 3 years of experience in the area of coherent optical communication.
  • Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing and high-speed optical signal generation and detection.
  • Proven understanding of coherent optical transmission systems and their linear and nonlinear impairments and tradeoffs (e.g., cross-talk, OSNR, chromatic dispersion, PMD, SPM, XPM, FWM).
  • Expertise in standard industry design validation processes and the product life cycle.
  • Hands-on experience with characterizing and troubleshooting high-speed coherent optical transceivers using various lab equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), wave analyzers, and real-time oscilloscopes.
  • Proficiency in Python scripting for test automation, data acquisition, and analysis.

It would be nice if you also had

  • Hands-on experience with system-level optical communication hardware and components.
  • Proficiency in Git workflow and version control systems (e.g., Git, GitHub, Bitbucket)
  • Experience with database management systems such as SQL, NoSQL, or time series databases.

Skills Required

  • MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field
  • At least 3 years of experience in coherent optical communications
  • Deep technical competency in coherent optical communications, digital signal processing, and high-speed optical signal generation and detection
  • Understanding of coherent optical transmission systems, linear and nonlinear impairments, and related tradeoffs
  • Expertise in industry design validation processes and product lifecycles
  • Hands-on experience characterizing and troubleshooting high-speed coherent optical transceivers
  • Experience using optical spectrum analyzers, wave analyzers, and real-time oscilloscopes
  • Proficiency in Python scripting for test automation, data acquisition, and analysis
  • Hands-on experience with system-level optical communication hardware and components
  • Proficiency with Git workflows and version control systems such as GitHub or Bitbucket
  • Experience with SQL, NoSQL, or time series database systems

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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The Company
HQ: Espoo
132,624 Employees

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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