Senior Optics Engineer

Overview

The Senior Optical Engineer will be responsible for the design, verification, and manufacturing support of pluggable optical transceiver modules used in datacenter, metro, and core network applications. This role works cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations teams to develop innovative optical communication solutions that meet performance, reliability, and customer requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Product Development & Design

• Develop component and subsystem specifications based on product requirements.
• Design and simulate optical components and systems.
• Design optical modules and sub-assemblies with manufacturability, testability, quality, and reliability in mind.
• Coordinate with optical, mechanical, digital hardware, firmware, and software engineering teams to achieve product architecture and packaging objectives.
• Generate high-quality technical documentation, including design specifications and test plans.

Testing & Validation

• Evaluate optoelectronic components and subsystems using laboratory test setups.
• Verify compliance with supplier specifications and ADTRAN product requirements.
• Perform reliability testing of optical components and modules, including Telcordia GR-468 and related standards.
• Define and support production test strategies used at contract manufacturing facilities.
• Support test automation initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

Collaboration & Support

• Provide technical input to New Product Introduction (NPI), Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and Sales organizations.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure successful product deployment.
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation plans.
• Support volume manufacturing and ongoing product lifecycle activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

Required Experience & Skills

• Strong knowledge of Optical Communications Theory and Digital Communications Theory.
• Experience designing and developing optical modules and optical sub-assemblies.
• Hands-on testing experience with optical components, modules, and subsystems.
• Experience with optical system simulation and analysis tools.
• Test automation experience.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Ethernet standards.
• Familiarity with optical component reliability requirements.
• Experience working with telecommunications standards including Telcordia, IEC, and ITU.

Success Profile

The ideal candidate:

• Is a collaborative team player.
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills.
• Can effectively coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Produces high-quality engineering documentation.
• Thrives in a fast-paced product development environment.

Travel

• Occasional travel may be required to support activities at other ADTRAN locations, customer sites, or supplier/manufacturing partner facilities.