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Staff / Principal Optical Engineer

NOKIA
US Salary range: $159,727.27 - $296,636.36 * Plus potential incentive/variable compensation for eligible roles
United States, California, San Jose
6373 San Ignacio Avenue (Show on map)
May 22, 2025

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.

Infinera is now part of the Nokia Corporation and its subsidiaries. When you apply, the information you share will be handled with care and used only for recruitment purposes within the group.



  • Lead and execute ODVT tests to ensure the performance and reliability of the linecard.
  • Analyze test data and provide detailed reports on findings and recommendations.
  • Perform optical integration work, including developing and testing different optimization steps from the first prototypes/EVB level to integration into the linecard and the manufacturing process.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, debug, and optimize optical performance.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve optical system issues to maintain high performance standards.
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in the fiber optical community and integrate new technologies into our projects.
  • Serve as a technical leader, mentor, and role model for other optical engineers in the department.


  • Master's or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of experience in optical engineering, with a focus on high-speed optical systems/transceivers.
  • Proven expertise in running ODVT tests and optical integration.
  • Strong knowledge of optical components, systems, and technologies.
  • In-depth understanding of coherent transceivers and their DSP blocks at Tx & Rx, such as pre-emphasis, equalization, carrier phase recovery, and QAM modulation.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Experience in Python coding and object-oriented programming.


Preferred Qualifications:



  • Experience with system-level optical communication hardware and components.
  • Proficiency in optical simulation and modeling software.
  • Familiarity with industry standards.
  • Hands-on experience with characterizing and troubleshooting high-speed coherent optical transceivers using various lab equipment such as OSA, wave analyzers, real-time scopes, etc.
  • Familiarity with Git workflow and version control systems such as Git, GitHub, Bitbucket, etc.
  • Experience with database management systems such as SQL, NoSQL, or time series databases.



Come create the technology that helps the world act together

Nokia is committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. Your career here will have a positive impact on people's lives and will help us build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive world.
We challenge ourselves to create an inclusive way of working where we are open to new ideas, empowered to take risks and fearless to bring our authentic selves to work

What we offer

Nokia offers continuous learning opportunities, well-being programs to support you mentally and physically, opportunities to join and get supported by employee resource groups, mentoring programs and highly diverse teams with an inclusive culture where people thrive and are empowered.

Nokia is committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer

Nokia has received the following recognitions for its commitment to inclusion & equality:



  • One of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere
  • Gender-Equality Index by Bloomberg
  • Workplace Pride Global Benchmark


At Nokia, we act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Nokia's 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.

Join us and be part of a company where you will feel included and empowered to succeed.
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