Optical Systems Architect
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 10, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 9, 2026. Nokia scores A on the Alion truth index.
In an increasingly connected world, the pandemic has highlighted just how essential telecom networks are to keeping society running. The Network Infrastructure group is at the heart of a revolution to connectivity, pushing the boundaries to deliver more and faster network capacity to people worldwide through our ambition, innovation, and technical expertise
Join Optical Networks division, where innovation meets scale in the AI-driven data center era. With the recent acquisition of Infinera, we’ve united two industry leaders to create an optical networking powerhouse-combining cutting-edge technology with proven leadership to redefine the future of connectivity.
As part of Nokia’s Optical Architecture group, you will have a unique opportunity to lead the design and architecture of novel optical DWDM communication systems. You will be responsible for architecting and implementing new optical hardware and software platforms in collaboration with our Systems Architecture, Systems Engineering and Software Development teams.
In this role, you will own the architecture of assigned DWDM line system cards, and be accountable for their technical success from concept through release. Your key responsibilities will include:
Architecting and optimizing DWDM line system products with fellow architects, accounting for transmission effects such as signal power/OSNR evolution and fiber nonlinearities
Translating Product Line Management requirements into linecard architecture, and documenting trade-offs among performance, cost, risk and schedule
Defining key hardware specifications and baseline designs for these linecards, such as optical amplifiers, ROADMs and multiplexers
Setting the modeling methods and acceptance criteria used to validate linecard designs, and directing experimental feasibility studies of components and modules
Owning the detailed hardware and software system requirements documents (SRDs) for these linecards, and leading design reviews with multi-site engineering teams
Aligning with cross-functional teams, from systems engineering through test and field deployment, on plans and priorities for these linecards
Representing the line system architecture in technical engagements with key customers, including demonstrations of new optical transmission technologies
Mentoring engineers and guiding their technical work
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Expert knowledge of DWDM systems and fiber transmission effects, and how to account for them in system design
Deep knowledge of DWDM transmission hardware, including EDFAs, Raman amplifiers, ROADMs and multiplexer technologies
Experience in long-haul optical link design, including power budgets, OSNR calculations and transmission penalties
Knowledge of advanced coherent modulation formats, with hands-on experience of their transmission over long-haul systems
Proven track record of leading the architecture of optical line system hardware from concept to release
Experience writing system requirements and specifications for optical hardware
Sound, independent judgment on ambiguous and novel technical problems