Principal Optical Systems Engineer

The role

The Principal Optical Systems Engineer will lead system integration and validation of advanced coherent optical DSP solutions. This role involves defining system specifications, delivering test strategies, and driving cross-domain debugging across DSP, optics, and hardware.

What you will do

• Partner with the DSP systems group to translate requirements into DSP performance targets
• Establish link budgets based on DSP specifications to set performance targets for optical components
• Lead development of high-fidelity system models
• Lead resolution of critical system-level issues spanning DSP algorithms, analog front-end calibrations, and optical impairments
• Develop structured debug frameworks to isolate multi-domain problems
• Work with module partners to define system-level test frameworks
• Oversee bring-up of new DSP ASIC EVBs and coherent optical modules

Required qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Communications, Photonics, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of experience in coherent optical systems or high-speed communication systems
• Proven track record of leading system verification of coherent optical DSP products (e.g., 400ZR, 800ZR, coherent-lite)
• Hands-on experience working with optical communication hardware and components – EVBs and pluggable modules
• Hands-on experience working with high-speed optical and electrical test/measurement equipment, such as OSA, RTO, DCA, and AWG
• Extensive understanding of DSP and FEC for coherent optical communication systems, including experience with QPSK, 16QAM, and 64QAM
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, and/or C

Nice to have

• Familiarity with OIF implementation agreements (400ZR, 800ZR), OpenZR+, and the CMIS management interface for pluggable modules
• Experience with advanced coherent techniques, such as probabilistic constellation shaping and soft-decision FEC (e.g., oFEC)
• Knowledge of coherent optical components (tunable lasers, modulators, ICRs, silicon photonics or InP) and how their impairments affect DSP performance
• Familiarity with OTDR-based fiber link characterization
• Experience building automated test frameworks in Python, including instrument control
• Experience working directly with hyperscale or tier-1 network operator customers
• Publications or patents in optical communications or DSP

About the company

Celero Inc. has a newly established optical system verification team.