Coherent Systems Architect - Optical Modem Development and Optimization

Kanata, ON
On-site
Posted Jul 18, 2026
1 position

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Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Entry, Junior · 0+ years
Minimum education: Master’s degree
Apply by: Oct 22, 2026
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Seniority: Not Applicable

Job summary

The engineer will design, characterize, and develop coherent optical transceivers using next-generation PIC and DSP technologies. This includes digital-optical integration, developing calibration algorithms, and performing detailed performance characterization of transceiver SNR and OSNR tolerance.

Job details

Job Description Imagine being part of a team that is fundamentally changing the way people communicate, the way they collaborate, the way they watch TV and explore the universe through the internet. Utilizing our uniquely differentiated technology, we have created an Intelligent Transport Network with more speed, capacity and scalability than ever before. Imagine a world with unlimited bandwidth. The network of tomorrow will allow for content and creativity limited only by the imaginations of its users. If this is something that interests you, that excites you, come take a look at a team not bound by large company obstacles and bureaucracy, where an idea today can be set in motion tomorrow. Come take a look at Nokia! Nokia is seeking a Coherent Optical Systems Engineer to join our Optical Systems Group (OSG). The engineer will be responsible for contributing to the design, characterization, and development of leading coherent optical transceivers based on Nokia’s next-generation coherent photonic integrated circuit (PIC) and digital signal processor (DSP) technologies. The ideal candidate should be prepared to work with early prototype PIC, DSP, and analog ASIC hardware; to perform digital-optical integration, develop robust calibration and controls methodologies, and carry out performance characterization. Performance characterization will include transceiver SNR, OSNR tolerance, sensitivity studies, etc. OSG works closely with many parts of the company and the candidate should anticipate frequent interactions with the coherent ASIC team on coherent signal processing issues and ADC/DAC ENOB, with optical, high-speed analog ASIC, and systems engineering teams. A key component of this role is the ability to understand and make tradeoffs between optical, electrical, and digital capabilities in order to optimize the overall system performance. How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn Digital-optical integration of next-generation coherent optical transceivers Development of calibration and controls algorithms to maximize system level performance Performance characterization of coherent pluggable transceivers, which will include detailed experimental validation of the constituent sub-components that comprise the pluggable, such as the analog, controls, and DSP ASICs Active member of the cross-functional product development team involving software, electronics, optics, and test Key Skills And Experience Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics with experience in optical communications, photonics, high-speed electronics or systems New Ph.D. graduates, as well as experienced professionals, are encouraged to apply. Fundamental understanding of optical communication systems, DWDM transmission systems, fiber transmission penalties, photonic integrated components, electronic (integrated) circuits, and signal analysis and processing Hands-on experience working with system-level optical communication hardware and components Extensive understanding of coherent communications systems, including experience with QPSK, 16QAM, and 64QAM, as well as coding and forward error correction algorithms Experience characterizing high-speed RF and mm-wave interconnects, amplifiers, and components Characterization of RF/mm-wave systems, such as S parameter measurements, jitter measurements, ADC/DAC performance and ENOB Hands-on experience with high-speed optical and electrical tests, measurement equipment control, and data acquisition Programming experience in Matlab, Python, VB.net, or C desired NION2026

What you’ll do

Requirements

A Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics is required, with a strong understanding of optical communication systems and signal processing. Candidates must have hands-on experience with high-speed optical/electrical test equipment and proficiency in programming languages like Matlab or Python.