Coherent Systems Architect - Optical Modem Development and Optimization

Imagine being part of a team that is fundamentally changing the way people communicate, collaborate, watch TV, and explore the universe through the internet. Utilizing our uniquely differentiated technology, we have created an Intelligent Transport Network with greater speed, capacity, and scalability than ever before. This network of tomorrow will allow for unlimited bandwidth, enabling content and creativity limited only by the imaginations of its users.

Nokia is seeking a Coherent Optical Systems Engineer to join our Optical Systems Group (OSG). The engineer will be responsible for contributing to the design, characterization and development of leading coherent optical transceivers based on Nokia’s next‑generation coherent photonic integrated circuit (PIC) and digital signal processor (DSP) technologies. The ideal candidate will work with early prototype PIC, DSP and analog ASIC hardware, performing digital‑optical integration, developing calibration and controls methodologies, and carrying out performance characterization (transceiver SNR, OSNR tolerance, sensitivity studies, etc.). The role requires frequent interaction with the coherent ASIC team, optical, high‑speed analog ASIC and systems engineering teams, and the ability to make trade‑offs between optical, electrical, and digital capabilities to optimize overall system performance.

How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn

• Digital‑optical integration of next‑generation coherent optical transceivers
• Development of calibration and controls algorithms to maximize system level performance
• Performance characterization of coherent pluggable transceivers, including detailed experimental validation of the constituent sub‑components (analog, controls and DSP ASICs)
• Active member of the cross‑functional product development team involving software, electronics, optics and test

Key Skills And Experience

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics with experience in optical communications, photonics, high‑speed electronics or systems
• New Ph.D. graduates as well as experienced professionals are encouraged to apply
• Fundamental understanding of optical communication systems, DWDM transmission systems, fiber transmission penalties, photonic integrated components, electronic (integrated) circuits, and signal analysis and processing
• Hands‑on experience working with system‑level optical communication hardware and components
• Extensive understanding of coherent communications systems, including experience with QPSK, 16QAM and 64QAM, as well as coding and forward error correction algorithms
• Experience characterizing high‑speed RF and mm‑wave interconnects, amplifiers and components
• Experience characterizing RF/mm‑wave systems, such as S‑parameter measurements, jitter measurements, ADC/DAC performance and ENOB
• Hands‑on experience with high‑speed optical and electrical tests, measurement equipment control and data acquisition
• Programming experience in Matlab, Python, VB.NET or C (desired)

NION2026