ResponsibilitiesMaxLinear is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will focus on the following:
- Leading cross-functional debug and validation efforts for optical modules, Active Electrical Cables (AECs), and solutions for data center applications, including emerging workloads such as Generative Artificial Intelligence
- System-level troubleshooting, performance optimization, and ensuring products meet internal design goals and industry standards
- Lead system-level debug and validation of optical modules and AECs across design, hardware, and systems teams supporting data center and AI infrastructure
- Architect and analyze optical systems, ensuring compatibility and performance across internal platforms and test environments for high-bandwidth, low-latency applications
- Drive root-cause analysis and resolution of complex issues during bring-up, validation, and production phases
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical challenges and deliver robust solutions for next-generation data center deployments
- Support development and validation of reference designs and test platforms for optical products used in AI and cloud-scale environments
- Provide feedback to internal teams on design improvements, validation coverage, and field performance in high-performance computing and AI workloads
Qualifications- Extensive knowledge of optical-electrical systems, high-speed interfaces, and system integration is required
- Proven experience with optical modules, AECs, or data center solutions
- Deep understanding of optical system impairments and mitigation techniques (BER, OSNR, signal integrity)
- Hands-on experience with system-level debug, validation, and performance tuning
- Familiarity with high-speed PCB design and CAD tools
- Exposure to system architecture of optical transceivers and baseband DSP systems
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Knowledge of DSP algorithms and modulation techniques
- BS in Electrical Engineering or related + 9 years of experience, or MS + 7 years of experience, or Ph.D. + 4 years of experience
Compensation and BenefitsMaxLinear has a Total Compensation philosophy which includes base salary and annual discretionary bonus eligibility and many positions also include stock-based compensation.
MaxLinear's good faith estimate starting base salary range is: $155,000 to $193,000 Annually
We offer competitive benefits designed to support employee health, welfare, and retirement and some highlights are: health care benefits, 401k savings plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and paid time off.
The actual starting base salary will be determined by the match to certain role-related criteria such as educational degree(s) or equivalent, relevant work experience, skillset needed for the role, and geographic location; this is not an all-inclusive list as some roles may require unique skills or experience.
