Principal Engineer, Photonics System Engineering

About Marvell

Marvell’s semiconductor solutions are the essential building blocks of the data infrastructure that connects our world. Across enterprise, cloud and AI, and carrier architectures, our innovative technology is enabling new possibilities. 

At Marvell, you can affect the arc of individual lives, lift the trajectory of entire industries, and fuel the transformative potential of tomorrow. For those looking to make their mark on purposeful and enduring innovation, above and beyond fleeting trends, Marvell is a place to thrive, learn, and lead. 

Your Team, Your Impact

Marvell is seeking a talented Photonics System Engineer to join our Platform Engineering team, supporting board, switch, and optics development for next-generation platform solutions. This role drives execution across highly complex, cross-functional programs addressing some of the most demanding challenges in AI, wired and wireless communications, and critical infrastructure markets.
This role is responsible for the development, optimization, and validation of optical system platforms that integrate Marvell's high-speed silicon photonics and DSP chipsets into board, switch, and rack-scale solutions. You will work with a team of multi-disciplined, energetic, and technically sound engineers, partnering closely with analog/digital/system DSP and firmware teams to develop optical system platforms for optimization, evaluation, and validation of Marvell's photonics and DSP chipsets.
You will operate in a highly visible technical environment, providing photonics system expertise, design guidance, and lab-based validation while engaging with cross-functional engineering teams and customers to ensure platform designs meet performance, quality, and schedule objectives.

What You Can Expect

• Work closely across functional groups to determine and implement optimization and validation methodology on optical system platforms spanning board, switch, and optics
• Partner with analog, digital, system DSP, and firmware teams to develop optical system platforms for optimization, evaluation, and validation of Marvell's photonics and DSP chipsets
• Debug complex optical, analog, and signal processing problems arising during board-to-module and module-to-switch integration
• Support integration of silicon photonics light engines and co-packaged/on-board optics into platform-level designs
• Define and execute photonic IC and module-level test plans, including process qualification support for new photonics technologies
• Collaborate and communicate with management, internal teams, and outsourced development partners regarding design status, project progress, and issue resolution
• Perform hands-on characterization using optical lab equipment to validate performance against system specifications
• Develop automated test solutions and scripts to streamline optical component and module characterization
• Provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams on optical system requirements and design tradeoffs across the platform stack
• Proactively identify photonics integration risks across the platform stack, develop mitigation strategies, and escalate issues as needed to drive resolution

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field and 10-15 years of related professional experience; Master's degree and/or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 5-10 years of experience
• Deep knowledge of optical modules, components, systems, and devices, including lasers, detectors, modulators, and transceivers
• Experience in optical system validation and testing, optical component characterization techniques, and optical test equipment
• Knowledge of firmware control algorithms used in optical modules, along with DSP communication theory and data networking physical layer specifications
• Detailed, working knowledge of lab equipment such as Optical Spectrum Analyzers and Optical Modulation Analyzers, with solid lab techniques
• Solid programming skills in languages such as Python and C for test automation and data analysis
• Familiarity with silicon photonics platforms, light engines, and co-packaged/on-board optics integration relevant to board and switch platforms
• Knowledge of optical component and photonics device characterization, including PIC (photonic integrated circuit) test methodologies
• Experience developing automated test solutions relating to optical components or transceivers is a plus
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debug skills, with an inherent sense of urgency and accountability, and strong communication skills for cross-functional and customer-facing collaboration

Expected Base Pay Range (USD)

150,680 - 225,700, $ per annum

The successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location and market conditions. The expected base pay range for this role may be modified based on market conditions.


This role is eligible to participate in Marvell's bonus and equity plans, including a new hire equity grant and annual equity refreshers, ensuring you are rewarded for your contributions and remain invested in the company's long-term success.


Additional Compensation and Benefit Elements 

Marvell is committed to providing exceptional, comprehensive benefits that support our employees at every stage - from internship to retirement and through life’s most important moments. Our offerings are built around four key pillars: financial well-being, family support, mental and physical health, and recognition. Highlights include an employee stock purchase plan with a 2-year look back, family support programs to help balance work and home life, robust mental health resources to prioritize emotional well-being, and a recognition and service awards to celebrate contributions and milestones. We look forward to sharing more with you during the interview process.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Any applicant who requires a reasonable accommodation during the selection process should contact Marvell HR Helpdesk at TAOps@marvell.com.

Interview Integrity 

To support fair and authentic hiring practices, candidates are not permitted to use AI tools (such as transcription apps, real-time answer generators like ChatGPT or Copilot, or automated note-taking bots) during interviews.

These tools must not be used to record, assist with, or enhance responses in any way. Our interviews are designed to evaluate your individual experience, thought process, and communication skills in real time. Use of AI tools without prior instruction from the interviewer will result in disqualification from the hiring process.

This position may require access to technology and/or software subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, applicants must be eligible to access export-controlled information as defined under applicable law. Marvell may be required to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce and/or the U.S. Department of State. Except for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), all applicants may be subject to an export license review process prior to employment.

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