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Sr. Director of Application Engineering

NOKIA
San Francisco, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/27/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/27/2025

As the Sr. Director of Applications Engineering for Photonic Component Solutions at Nokia, you will guide a dynamic team focused on pioneering optical communication technologies for hyperscalers and optical module manufacturers. Your role is pivotal in connecting technical expertise with customer needs, fostering collaboration across engineering, R&D, and sales to deliver tailored photonics and DSP solutions. In this fast-paced, innovative work environment, you will engage directly with clients, conduct compelling product demonstrations, and gather valuable market insights that drive product development. The culture emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and a commitment to shaping the future of data center infrastructure. Join us in a setting where your technical influence and strategic vision will have a significant impact on global connectivity.


  • Lead technical engagements with hyperscalers and optical module manufacturers to demonstrate Nokia's advanced optical communication devices.
  • Serve as the primary technical liaison between customers and engineering teams, ensuring effective communication and support.
  • Develop customized Photonics-based solutions addressing specific optical interconnect and networking needs of clients.
  • Conduct engaging product demonstrations and training sessions to effectively showcase Nokia PIC and/or DSP technology.
  • Collect market insights and customer feedback to inform product development and enhance future solutions.
  • Facilitate collaboration between engineering, R&D, sales, and marketing teams to align on customer requirements and product offerings.
  • Drive sales enablement efforts by providing ongoing technical support throughout the entire sales cycle.
  • Mentor and manage the applications engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation and customer-centric problem-solving.

You have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • 3-5 years of technical sales or applications engineering experience in Photonics or Optoelectronics
  • Deep knowledge of Photonics (InP or SiPho) and/or DSP components
  • Proven ability to engage and influence high-level technical decision-makers

It would be nice if you also had:

  • Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field
  • Experience in developing or supporting reference designs and system integration for photonic products
  • Familiarity with networking protocols such as Ethernet and OTN
  • Strong network of industry contacts within the photonics and data center sectors

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.

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 Sr. Director of Application Engineering in San Francisco, CA
$129,933 to $166,891
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