Optical Systems Architect

Ottawa, ON
On-site
Posted Oct 7, 2026
1 position

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Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Senior · 5+ years
Minimum education: Master’s degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Seniority: Not Applicable

Job summary

Lead the design and architecture of DWDM line systems, accounting for fiber and line-system transmission characteristics, signal power and OSNR evolution, and fiber nonlinearities. Develop and validate optical line-system control systems and performance models, collaborate with product, systems, software, and test teams, and demonstrate new transmission technologies to customers.

Job details

Job Description 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. How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn Your key responsibilities will include the technical leadership for a DWDM line system design, with following aspects: Close alignment with Product Line Management on product requirements Architecture of a DWDM line system considering fiber and line systems elements’ transmission characteristics, including signal power/OSNR evolution and fiber nonlinearities Architecture, design and validation of distributed, link-level optical line system control systems in close co-operation with SW development and test teams Development of system design rules and performance models Demonstration of new optical transmission technologies to key customers Key Skills And Experience Education & Experience Requirements: Excellent foundational knowledge of DWDM systems, transmission fiber effects and how to consider them in a DWDM system design Hands-on experience with DWDM transmission systems including coherent transponders, EDFAs, Raman amplifiers and ROADMs Working knowledge of closed loop and open loop control systems Knowledge of advanced coherent modulation formats including practical experience with their transmission in long haul systems Excellent communication and presentation skills Highly motivated team player adept at cross-functional, cross-cultural and international teamwork Ph.D. in Optics/Engineering/Physics + minimum 8 years of relevant work experience

What you’ll do

Requirements

Requires a Ph.D. in Optics, Engineering, or Physics and at least eight years of relevant experience. Candidates should have strong DWDM and fiber-transmission knowledge, hands-on experience with coherent transponders, EDFAs, Raman amplifiers, and ROADMs, familiarity with open- and closed-loop control systems, and experience with advanced coherent modulation formats in long-haul systems.