Sr. Director of Application Engineering
Infinera
California, USA
Posted on Mar 16, 2026
Job Description
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.
How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn
You have:
Some of our benefits in US :
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.
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.
How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn
- 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
- 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
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
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.