Staff Optical Engineer

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Staff Optical Engineer

United States(Onsite)

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.

Your 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.

Your skills and experience

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.

More information

Some of our benefits in US:

• 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

The above benefits exclude students.

Disclaimer for US/Canada

Nokia Maintains broad annual base salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, and with consideration to internal peer equity. Check the salary ranges in the job info section for this role.

All North America job posts will post for a minimum of 7 calendar days and up to 180 days or until candidate/s identified.

About Us

Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

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.

Learn more about life at Nokia.

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.

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Job Info

• Job CategoryApplied R&D
• Posting Date05/05/2026
• Degree LevelBachelor’s degree
• Job ScheduleFull time
• Job TypeExperienced
• Job Identification35168
• Will NSA/CAPS approval be required? (E.g., accessing a US Customer Network?)No
• Role TypeIndividual contributor
• Laptop - support with ordering neededYes
• Salary RangeUS Annual Base Salary Range * USD 139,191.11- 228,671.78

Canada Annual Base salary range

$114,000 - $155,000 CAD

*Plus, potential incentive/variable compensation for eligible roles

• Experience levelExperienced
• Locations6373 San Ignacio Avenue, San Jose, California, 95119-1200, US600 March Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K2K 2E6, CA(Onsite)
• Regular or TemporaryRegular

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AI Statement: Nokia embraces the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within our recruiting process to enhance the candidate experience and significantly improve our operational efficiencies. By leveraging AI-powered tools, we aim to create a more responsive and equitable journey for all applicants. Concurrently, we advocate for the intelligent, ethical, and safe use of AI by candidates and applicants when preparing and submitting their applications for our roles. This includes ensuring that any AI-generated content is thoroughly reviewed for accuracy, originality, and relevance, and that its use aligns with principles of transparency and integrity. Our goal is to foster a recruitment environment that benefits from technological advancements while upholding fairness, authenticity, and human oversight.

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