Demo

Optical Transmission Systems Engineer

NOKIA
San Jose, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/9/2026

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.

As part of Nokia's Optical Architecture group, you will study and analyze transmission performance of the world's most advanced commercial optical transponders and line systems. You will be responsible for experimental investigation of coherent transmission across flexible grid, C-band, SuperC-band and C L band line system platforms, with an emphasis on high baud rate, probabilistically constellation shaped optical signals. You will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the design and architecture of highly advanced optical transport systems based on disruptive digital signal processing and photonic integration technology.


  • Investigation of transmission characteristics of Nokia's long haul flex-grid line systems including signal power/OSNR evolution and fiber nonlinearities

  • Experimental analysis of the impact of optical impairments (including chromatic dispersion, PDL, polarization transients, filtering, crosstalk, nonlinearities) on transmission of advanced coherent modulation formats

  • Development of system design rules and performance models

  • Experimental validation and architecture of distributed, link-level optical line system control systems

  • Compare simulation and experiment using our in-house state-of-the-art optical performance prediction code libraries.

  • Continuous evolution of our in-house long haul transmission infrastructure

  • Demonstration of new optical transmission technologies to key customers


  • Hands-on experience with DWDM transmission systems including coherent transponders, EDFAs, Raman amplifiers and ROADMs

  • Knowledge of advanced coherent modulation formats including practical experience with their transmission in long haul systems

  • Extensive experience with automated data acquisition and analysis using high-speed electro-optic test and measurement equipment

  • Experience with long haul optical link design including power budgets, OSNR calculations, and transmission penalties

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills

  • Excellent programming, analytical and troubleshooting skills

  • Highly motivated team player adept at cross-functional, cross-cultural and international teamwork

Education & Experience Requirements:

  • Ph.D. in Optics/Engineering/Physics minimum 3 years of relevant work experience

  • M.Sc. in Optics/Electrical Engineering minimum 6 years of relevant work experience





We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

 

Salary.com Estimation for Optical Transmission Systems Engineer in San Jose, CA
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