Staff Optical Engineer
Nokia
Other Engineering
Canada
Posted on Dec 17, 2025
As an Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer you will be responsible for the comprehensive testing, validation, and performance characterization of optical components, modules, and systems. This position involves developing and executing detailed test plans, analyzing complex data, and ensuring that Nokia's optical products meet stringent performance specifications, quality standards, and industry compliance requirements. In this role, you will frequently face intricate technical problems, requiring problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of state-of-the-art DSP and optical front-end technologies. You will play a pivotal role in the product development lifecycle, from early-stage integration to final product release, contributing directly to the delivery of high-performance and reliable optical networking solutions.
Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
About the Business Group
A robust digital backbone is the unsung hero of modern life, underpinning everything from daily interactions to cloud computing and critical infrastructure. The Network Infrastructure team is passionate about pushing the boundaries of what's possible in networking, tackling the toughest challenges and delivering innovative solutions.
We deliver trusted, purpose-built IP, optical, fixed, and data center solutions that power the internet, drive the global economy, and support the mission-critical industries that keep the world running.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our 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.
If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
Some of our benefits in Canada:
- 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
The above benefits exclude students.
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.
We invite you to apply for the Staff Optical Engineer position, where you will play a crucial role in the optical development and validation of Infinera’s cutting-edge next-generation ICE transponder/muxponder line cards. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to advanced optical networking technology.
You have
- PhD degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics or related majors
- 3+ years of experience in the area of coherent optical communication
- Familiarity with optical communication systems and its linear and nonlinear impairments and tradeoff, such as cross-talk, OSNR, chromatic dispersion, PMD, SPM, XPM, FWM etc.
- Familiarity with optical components such as DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), nITLAs (narrow-linewidth tunable lasers), EDFAs (Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers), and high-speed transceivers.
- Hands-on experience with characterizing and troubleshooting high-speed coherent optical transceivers using various lab equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), wave analyzers, real-time oscilloscopes, etc.
- Proficiency in Python scripting for test automation, data acquisition, and analysis.
It would be nice if you also had
- Hands-on experience with system-level optical communication hardware and components.
- Familiarity with Git workflow and version control systems such as Git, GitHub, Bitbucket, etc.
- Experience with database management systems such as SQL, NoSQL, or time series databases.
- Test Planning & Execution: Develop and run test plans for optical components, modules, and sub-systems under various conditions.
- Optical Performance: Verify and improve optical performance, testing aspects like OSNR, signal quality, and environmental resilience. Identify and implement enhancements for modules and systems.
- System Validation: Validate entire systems through end-to-end testing, including client traffic, stress tests, and analyzing optical behavior during changes.
- Test Automation: Develop and maintain Python-based test automation scripts to improve testing efficiency and coverage.
- Issue Resolution: Work with hardware, firmware, and design teams to find and fix optical performance issues, ensuring quick solutions.
- Compare test results to specifications and ensure that requirements can be met.