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Optical Communication Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches ... Capable programmer with experience in Python. Experience with automating instrument control.

Optical Systems Engineer Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Strong communication and team leadership skills. * Willingness to travel (~20% of the time). Education & Experience * MS or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related technical field What We ...

New

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$130K - $169K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a ...

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a ...

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a ...

Define the system architecture for optical DSP chips used in high-speed optical communication ... D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. * Experience: Minimum of 10 ...

You will join a multi-discipline team responsible for development for optical communication system ... optical test engineering report for Program Reviews as requested. Analyze technical problems ...

Sr. Optical Engineer , Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

You will join a multi-discipline team responsible for development for optical communication system ... optical test engineering report for Program Reviews as requested. Analyze technical problems ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Communication Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical communication engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical communication engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Communication Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
More about Optical Communication Engineer jobs
What states have the most Optical Communication Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Communication Engineer jobs include:
Staff Optical Engineer

Staff Optical Engineer

Marvell

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Other

Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

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

Today's bandwidth-intensive online lifestyle - from streaming video to generative AI - requires high-performance networks with uncompromised quality.
Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches. With its DSP, broadband amplifiers, photonic ICs and optical transceivers products Marvell technology is enabling this exponential growth of data movement through optical interconnects.

What You Can Expect

Join a world-class team specializing in the design and validation of optical transceivers, where you'll contribute to the development of high-performance calibration techniques, advanced test methodologies, and robust infrastructure for cutting-edge optical communication modules. Your work will support products throughout their lifecycle-from initial R&D through to high-volume manufacturing-ensuring exceptional quality and performance at every stage.

In this role, you will:

  • Be part of a development team responsible for all aspects of bringup, calibration, optimization, troubleshooting, and Design Verification Testing (DVT) for Marvell's optical transceivers.
  • Collaborate closely with crossfunctional teams, including Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC), analog IC, coherent DSP, broadband analog IC, firmware, and system engineering.
  • Develop and maintain Pythonbased automation scripts to streamline validation workflows and improve correlation processes.
  • Perform data analysis to enhance product performance, refine test and calibration methodologies, and support massproduction readiness.
  • Build, maintain, and enhance testbeds consisting of optical test equipment such as highresolution OSA, VOA, EDFA, and WSS.

What We're Looking For

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related fields and 3-5 years of related professional experience OR Master's degree and/or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related fields with 2-3 years of experience.
  • Knowledge of optical communications from system to component level
  • Capable programmer with experience in Python. Experience with automating instrument control.
  • Ability to validate hardware and debug electronic hardware.
  • Background in digital signal processing preferred.

Expected Base Pay Range (USD)

113,920 - 170,600, $ 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.

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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