Staff Optical Engineer

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Staff Optical Engineer

United States

Join the development team for Nokia’s next generation digital coherent optical transceiver modules and take on critical challenges in chip, module, and system designs to enable the next generation multi terabit optical fiber transmission systems for data center, metro, and long haul markets.Individual contributor engineering position responsible for designing control algorithms for highly-integrated optical devices and implementing optical validation tests for digital coherent optical modules in the world’s fastest next generation optical networking systems.

NION2026

Your responsibilities

Design, implement and validate controls for digital coherent optical modules.

Summary

Individual contributor engineering position responsible for design and simulation of advanced optical/optoelectronic designs and control systems to ensure high reliability and manufacturability.

Essential Functions / Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement and validate controls for digital coherent optical modules.
• Evaluate system and device designs to ensure high reliability over lifetime of product.

Your skills and experience

Education / Experience

• Ph.D. in Electrical or Optical Engineering + 5 years' experience
• M.S. in Electrical or Optical Engineering + 10 years' experience.
• Experience with fundamental and advanced photonic device design and characterization techniques.
• Experience with control systems design desirable.
• Software development skills desirable (C, PYTHON, VB, MATLAB or other)
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Highly self-motivated, ability to learn quickly and move fast.

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.

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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 Date04/02/2026
• Degree LevelBachelor’s degree
• Job ScheduleFull time
• Job TypeExperienced
• Job Identification33856
• Will NSA/CAPS approval be required? (E.g., accessing a US Customer Network?)No
• Role TypeIndividual contributor
• Salary RangeUS Salary Range USD 139,283.72 - USD 258,669.77

*Plus Variable Compensation for Eligible roles

• Experience levelExperienced
• Locations6373 San Ignacio Avenue, San Jose, California, 95119-1200, US
• Regular or TemporaryRegular

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