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Optical Communication Engineer Jobs in California

Nokia

Staff Optical Test Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

This position has an emphasis on the continuous improvement of our optical communication products ... Work/partner with other engineering staff to define and implement detailed testability requirements

AEI-CIG

Application Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

You will collaborate with experienced engineers and contribute to critical projects involving advanced optical communication products. Responsibilities: * Provide technical support to customers on ...

K2 Space

Senior Mechanisms Engineer, Optical

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Prepare design reviews for your mechanisms to get stakeholder buy-in and communicate expectations ... Experience collaborating with electrical, controls, and optical engineers to close multi ...

black.ai

Senior Optical Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

Ability to build relationships with multiple groups with strong communication skills to provide ... Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or Applied Physics. * 5+ years of ...

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Optical Communication Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical communication engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Communication Engineer, you need a strong background in optical physics, fiber optics, and signal processing, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB, optical spectrum analyzers, and simulation software, as well as certifications such as Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT), is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining high-performance optical communication systems that meet industry standards.

What is the difference between Optical Communication Engineer vs Optical Network Technician?

AspectOptical Communication EngineerOptical Network Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field; certifications like CCNA, CCNPTechnical diploma or associate degree; certifications like FOA, Cisco certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize optical communication systems; often in labs or office settingsInstall, maintain, and troubleshoot optical networks in the field or data centers
Employer & IndustryTelecom companies, network providers, technology firmsTelecom providers, internet service providers, network installation companies

Optical Communication Engineers focus on designing and improving optical systems, requiring higher-level technical skills and certifications. Optical Network Technicians handle installation and maintenance tasks, often working in the field. Both roles are essential in the optical communication industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are some common challenges optical communication engineers face when working on large-scale network deployments?

Optical Communication Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal integrity over long distances, integration of new technologies with legacy systems, and ensuring minimal downtime during upgrades. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—such as network planners, field technicians, and equipment vendors—requires strong communication and project management skills. Additionally, staying updated with the rapid advancements in fiber optics and modulation techniques is essential to design efficient and future-proof solutions.

What does an optical communication engineer do?

An Optical Communication Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that transmit information using light, such as fiber optic networks. They work on the hardware and software that enable high-speed data transmission over long distances for telecommunications, internet, and data centers. Their responsibilities often include optimizing network performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of optical communication systems. Optical Communication Engineers also stay updated on emerging technologies and standards in the field.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Communication Engineer jobs in California? For Optical Communication Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Communication Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Communication Engineer jobs in California are:
Optical Communication Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Communication Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Staff Optical Test Development Engineer

Nokia

San Jose, CA • On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Nokia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 97 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

We are looking for a staff optical engineer to develop optical test solutions for our optical products.  You will be empowered to make decisions and implement your creative ideas to advance Nokia corporate strategy. We are looking for a smart, dynamic person to work in our fast-paced manufacturing environment supporting Nokia's highly innovative integrated products.  This position has an emphasis on the continuous improvement of our optical communication products, while maintaining Nokia's high quality of reliability, recognized by our customers.

Some of our benefits in US:
  • Corporate Retirement Savings Plan
  • Health and dental benefits
  • Short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • Life insurance, and AD&D - Company paid 2x base pay
  • Optional or Supplemental life and AD&D insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
  • Paid time off for holidays and Vacation
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Plan
  • Adoption assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program/Work Life Resource Program

The above benefits exclude students.


Disclaimer for US/Canada

Nokia Maintains broad annual base salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, and with consideration to internal peer equity. Check the salary ranges in the job info section for this role.

All North America job posts will post for a minimum of 7 calendar days and up to 180 days or until candidate/s identified.

You have: 

  • Working experience in products with hardware, firmware and software elements
  • Working experience in products of optical transport networks or optical switches/routers.
  • Practical experience in defining test criteria based on product specifications, error of measurement.
  • Proven ability to develop automated test solutions and the deployment to remote manufacturing locations
  • Hands-on experience with electrical and optical test and measurement equipment such as optical switch, OSA, etc...and with optical tests such as OSNR, BER, Eye Diagram, and so on parametric measurements.
  • Knowledge of databases like SQL Server
  • Proficient in VB.NET/C#/C++ and Visual Studio 2020 or higher. Good at Python a plus.
  • The ideal candidate is analytic, detail-oriented, with great quantitative analysis skills, is self-motivated, able to proactively communicate with all employees and work well in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
  • BS/MS/PhD in EE or related field required

It would be nice to have

  • 5+ years minimum experience with optical/data networking industry related test development 
     

Key Responsibilities:

  • Be responsible for the development/sustaining, installation, documentation and support of Functional/System manufacturing test of Nokia's optical transport equipment products.
  • Develop required test plans/specifications
  • Develop and support automated manufacturing test infrastructure
  • Develop VB.NET/Python based Software to automate the test execution
  • Develop tools for fault isolation and identification capability to manufacturing technical staff
  • Be responsible for refining process and strategy to drive failures earlier and then out of the manufacturing process
  • Be responsible for statistical analysis of optical product test parameters and equipment measurements
  • Work/partner with other engineering staff to define and implement detailed testability requirements
  • Be a key member of cross functional NPI team
  • Be a key member of cross functional defect reduction team
  • Be responsible for continual maturing of test infrastructure
  • Be able to work independently and prioritize tasks on a weekly/monthly level


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