Nokia

Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Nokia$120K — $160K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • MS or Ph.D. in integrated optics silicon photonics, electrical engineering, or applied physics.
  • 5+ years of industry experience in silicon photonics or integrated optics.
  • Extensive expertise in silicon photonics device design and performance validation.
  • Lab experience in optical engineering test and fiber-waveguide coupling.
  • Familiarity with RF design and testing of photonic devices using equipment like VNAs and spectrum analyzers.
  • Proficient in programming with Python or C/C++.
  • Strong foundational knowledge in physics, particularly optics or electromagnetics.

Responsibilities

  • Drive architecture and development of optical engines using Si photonics for high-performance applications.
  • Define products and innovate PIC architecture for coherent optical solutions.
  • Optimize link budgets and analyze system performance across optical transport links.
  • Implement design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing practices to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
  • Lead design reviews as a subject matter expert, advancing system-level performance and manufacturability.
  • Coordinate cross-functional efforts for scalable design automation and test infrastructure development.

Benefits

  • Corporate Retirement Savings Plan
  • Health and dental benefits
  • Disability insurance
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance at 2x base pay
  • Optional supplemental life and AD&D insurance
  • Paid time off for holidays and vacation
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Plan
  • Adoption assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program/Work Life Resource Program
Full Job Description
Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Drive the architecture and development of next-generation optical engines in advanced Si photonics process technologies for high-performance pluggable optics and embedded solutions for coherent DWDM long-haul and metro transport applications.
  • Own product definition, PIC architecture innovation, and specification of integrated photonic circuits for coherent Tx/Rx signal processing chains, critical optical components, and comprehensive test methodologies tailored to meet demanding requirements across long-haul, metro, and pluggable coherent optical systems.
  • Spearhead link budget development and optimization across coherent optical transport links, driving analysis of system performance, channel impairments, chromatic dispersion, polarization effects, active and passive component margins, and foundry process capabilities to ensure first-pass silicon photonic designs meet aggressive performance targets in both long-haul and metro deployments.
  • Champion design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) best practices, establishing photonic device characterization strategies and test protocols to enable rapid volume ramp and high-yield manufacturing in next-generation coherent pluggable platforms and integrated transceiver solutions.
  • Lead design reviews as a recognized subject matter expert in silicon photonic component design, setting technical direction and raising the bar for system-level performance, power efficiency, and manufacturability across diverse coherent optical applications.
  • Drive cross-functional execution with photonics design, RFIC/EIC, DSP, packaging, product engineering, foundry technology partners, test development, and product leadership to architect and deploy scalable design automation, simulation frameworks, and test infrastructure that accelerates deployment of innovative coherent optic solutions.


Qualifications

You have:
  • 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.
  • Possess 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 devices such VNAs, spectrum analyzers, etc.
  • Solid programming skills in Python or C/C++.
  • General good understanding of general concepts in physics, especially in optics or electromagnetics.


It would be nice if you had:
  • Previous experience as Nokia intern or co-op, proficiency with optics design tools, such as Lumerical.
  • Experience with designing or characterizing silicon photonic or other integrated optical/optoelectronic devices or circuits. Strong understanding of general concepts in fiber optics and integrated optics. Experience in photonic integrated circuit design, modeling and layout.
  • Solid numerical and physics-related programming skills. Experience with high-frequency design and modeling.


About the Team

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


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.

About Nokia

Nokia is a Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics company. The company was founded in 1865 and has since grown to become one of the largest telecommunications equipment manufacturers in the world. Nokia's products include mobile phones, smartphones, and network equipment, among others. The company is committed to innovation and has a strong focus on research and development. Nokia is also committed to sustainability and has set ambitious targets for reducing its environmental impact. The company operates in over 100 countries and has a strong presence in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Learn more about Nokia
Size
87,927 employees
Market Cap
$25.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$2.5 billion
Founded
1865
5 Year Trend
-1.2%
Revenue
$21.8 billion
NASDAQ

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