Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Nokia

. Drive architecture and development of next-generation optical engines in advanced silicon photonics process technologies for high-performance pluggable optics and embedded coherent DWDM long-haul and metro transport solutions .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $125,000 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in silicon photonics device design and characterization, with a strong focus on optical engineering testing and integrated photonic circuit development. Proficient in programming and utilizing optics design tools to optimize system performance and manufacturability.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Silicon Photonics Device DesignOptical Engineering TestingProgramming in Python or C/C++Optics Design Tools ProficiencyPhotonic Integrated Circuit Design

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Silicon PhotonicsIntegrated OpticsDevice Performance CharacterizationDesign Verification TestingRF Design and CharacterizationHigh-Frequency DesignNumerical ProgrammingOptical System AnalysisTest Methodologies DevelopmentLink Budget Optimization

Tools & Technologies

LumericalVNAsSpectrum Analyzers

Industry Keywords

Optical EnginesCoherent DWDMPhotonic Integrated CircuitsDesign-for-TestDesign-for-Manufacturing

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive architecture and development of next-generation optical engines in advanced silicon photonics process technologies for high-performance pluggable optics and embedded coherent DWDM long-haul and metro transport solutions
Own product definition, PIC architecture innovation, and specification of integrated photonic circuits for coherent Tx/Rx signal processing chains and critical optical components
Define comprehensive test methodologies for coherent optical systems
Develop and optimize link budgets across coherent optical transport links
Analyze system performance, channel impairments, chromatic dispersion, polarization effects, component margins, and foundry process capabilities
Champion design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing best practices
Establish photonic device characterization strategies and test protocols for rapid volume ramp and high-yield manufacturing
Lead design reviews as a silicon photonic component design subject matter expert
Set technical direction for system-level performance, power efficiency, and manufacturability
Drive cross-functional execution with photonics design, RFIC/EIC, DSP, packaging, product engineering, foundry technology partners, test development, and product leadership
Architect and deploy scalable design automation, simulation frameworks, and test infrastructure

Requirements

What you’ll need

MS or Ph.D. graduate in integrated optics, silicon photonics, electrical engineering, or applied physics
5 years of industry experience working in silicon photonics, integrated optics, or relevant fields
Extensive technical expertise in silicon photonics device design, including device performance characterization and validation
Lab experience in optical engineering test, fiber-waveguide coupling, and design verification testing
Experience in RF design, test, and characterization of photonic devices using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and similar equipment
Solid programming skills in Python or C/C++
Good understanding of physics concepts, especially optics or electromagnetics
Previous Nokia intern or co-op experience preferred
Proficiency with optics design tools such as Lumerical preferred
Experience designing or characterizing silicon photonic or other integrated optical/optoelectronic devices or circuits preferred
Understanding of fiber optics and integrated optics preferred
Experience in photonic integrated circuit design, modeling, and layout preferred
Numerical and physics-related programming skills preferred
Experience with high-frequency design and modeling preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Potential incentive/variable compensation for eligible roles
Hybrid work arrangement