Silicon Photonics Design and Test Engineer

Nokia • New York, NY

6h • $88,009 - $163,445

About The Position

The Silicon Photonics Design and Test Engineer contributes to research and development of silicon photonics integrated circuits, leading development from design and fabrication through testing and analysis. The role drives architecture and development of optical engines using advanced silicon photonics process technologies for high-performance pluggable optics and embedded coherent DWDM long-haul and metro transport solutions.

The engineer owns product definition, photonic integrated circuit architecture, and specifications for coherent transmitter/receiver signal-processing chains, optical components, and test methodologies. The role develops and optimizes link budgets, analyzes system performance and optical impairments, and considers component margins and foundry capabilities to achieve performance targets. It also champions design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing practices, leads design reviews, and works across engineering and product teams to advance design automation, simulation, and test infrastructure.

Requirements

• MS or Ph.D. in integrated optics/silicon photonics, electrical engineering, or applied physics.
• 3–5 years of industry experience in silicon photonics, integrated optics, or a relevant field.
• Extensive technical expertise in silicon photonics device design, including device performance characterization and validation.
• Laboratory experience in optical engineering test, fiber-waveguide coupling, and design verification testing.
• Experience in RF design, testing, and characterization of photonic devices using equipment such as VNAs and spectrum analyzers.
• Solid programming skills in Python or C/C++.
• General understanding of physics, especially optics or electromagnetics.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a Nokia intern or co-op.
• Proficiency with optics design tools such as Lumerical.
• Experience designing or characterizing silicon photonic or other integrated optical/optoelectronic devices or circuits.
• Strong understanding of 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.

Responsibilities

• Drive architecture and development of next-generation optical engines in advanced silicon photonics process technologies for coherent long-haul and metro transport applications.
• Own product definition, photonic integrated circuit architecture, and specifications for coherent Tx/Rx signal-processing chains, optical components, and test methodologies.
• Develop and optimize coherent optical link budgets, analyzing system performance, channel impairments, chromatic dispersion, polarization effects, component margins, and foundry process capabilities.
• Establish design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing practices, photonic device characterization strategies, and test protocols to support volume ramp and high-yield manufacturing.
• Lead design reviews as a silicon photonic component design subject matter expert, guiding technical direction and system-level performance, power efficiency, and manufacturability.
• Coordinate cross-functional execution with photonics design, RFIC/EIC, DSP, packaging, product engineering, foundry partners, test development, and product leadership.
• Architect and deploy scalable design automation, simulation frameworks, and test infrastructure.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working schemes.
• Professional development events and networking opportunities.
• Well-being programs, including a confidential Personal Support Service available 24/7 to employees and their families.
• Opportunities to join Nokia Employee Resource Groups.
• Employee Growth Solutions, mentorship programs, and coaching support.
• A learning environment supporting personal and professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level