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Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineer Jobs

Coherent

Principal Optical Transceiver Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$164.70K - $201.50K/yr

Lead the transceiver link simulation. Work closely with firmware engineer, optical engineer ... Strong analog circuit design skills required * Strong background of circuit theory, linear system ...

Cisco

Senior Optical Component Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151.20K - $195.70K/yr

What You'll Do Cisco is looking for a Senior Optical Component Engineer to lead optical device and ... Optical transceiver technology: design, assembly and reliability of active and passive optical ...

Cisco

Senior Optical Component Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

$127.30K - $164.80K/yr

What You'll Do Cisco is looking for a Senior Optical Component Engineer to lead optical device and ... Optical transceiver technology: design, assembly and reliability of active and passive optical ...

Oclaro

Sr. Optical Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $121.40K/yr

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us! Sr. Optical design engineer Lumentum is seeking a candidate for the position of a Sr. ...

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All JobsSenior Optical Transceiver Design Engineer Jobs

Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineer information

See salary details

$70.5K

$134.6K

$195K

How much do senior optical transceiver design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical transceiver design engineer in the United States is $134,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $157,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineer, you need deep expertise in optical communication principles, circuit design, and experience with high-speed analog and mixed-signal electronics, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with tools like MATLAB, SPICE, and optical simulation software, as well as familiarity with industry standards (e.g., IEEE, ITU), is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in complex project environments. These skills are crucial for designing reliable, high-performance transceivers that meet demanding specifications and ensure seamless data transmission in modern communication networks.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineers during new product development?

Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as meeting stringent performance specifications while ensuring signal integrity and minimizing power consumption. They must balance design trade-offs between cost, manufacturability, and compliance with industry standards like IEEE or MSA. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—including hardware, firmware, and test engineers—is essential to address interoperability issues and accelerate time-to-market. Staying current with rapidly evolving optical technologies and component availability is also crucial for success in this role.

What does a Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineer do?

A Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing optical transceivers, which are devices that transmit and receive data using light, typically in fiber optic communication systems. They work on high-speed optical modules, ensuring performance, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. Their role often includes circuit design, simulation, prototyping, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to bring products from concept to production. They also troubleshoot design issues and stay updated on the latest technological advancements in optical communication.

What is the difference between Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineer vs Optical Transceiver Test Engineer?

AspectSenior Optical Transceiver Design EngineerOptical Transceiver Test Engineer
Primary FocusDesign and development of optical transceiversTesting and validation of optical transceivers
Skills RequiredOptical engineering, circuit design, CAD toolsTesting procedures, measurement tools, troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departmentsTesting labs, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageTelecom, data centers, networking equipmentManufacturers, quality control, product validation

The Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineer focuses on creating and improving optical transceiver hardware, while the Optical Transceiver Test Engineer specializes in testing and validating these devices to ensure performance and reliability. Both roles are essential in the optical communications industry but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

Infographic showing various Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 55% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,577 per year, or $64.7 per hour.
Senior Optical Hardware Engineer.

Senior Optical Hardware Engineer.

Arista Networks

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Arista Networks is an industry leader in data-driven, client-to-cloud networking for large data center, campus and routing environments. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation. We leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software-defined networking to provide our clients with a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world. Our solutions are designed to not only meet the current demands of the digital landscape but to also anticipate and adapt to future challenges.
At Arista we value the diversity of thought and perspectives that each employee brings to the table. We believe that fostering an inclusive environment, where individuals from various backgrounds and experiences feel welcome, is essential for driving creativity and innovation.
Our commitment to excellence has earned us several prestigious awards, such as Best Engineering Team, Best Company for Diversity, Compensation, and Work-Life Balance. At Arista, we take pride in our track record of success and strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and performance in everything we do.
Job Description
Who You'll Work With
You will collaborate with a broad, interdisciplinary team including experts in optical and electrical components, IC packaging, PCB design, thermal and mechanical design, firmware/software, operations, and test engineering, to bring transceivers from concept through high-volume production.
What You'll Do
Arista Networks is seeking an exceptional Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineer to join our fast-paced, innovative environment. This role will focus on the design and development of next-generation optical modules and engines at 1.6Tbps and beyond. You'll play a key role in expanding Arista's leadership in data center connectivity and enabling differentiation in the networking space. As part of the Hardware Architecture Engineering Division, you will be responsible for defining transceiver module architecture and detailed engineering specifications based on system-level requirements.
  • Define and architect optical transceiver modules (1.6T and beyond) aligned with product-level requirements.
  • Design high-speed PCB schematics including power, control, and signal interfaces for optical modules.
  • Guide layout engineers to complete PCB layout that meets mechanical, signal integrity, thermal, and manufacturing constraints.
  • Collaborate across disciplines to ensure successful integration of optical, electrical, and mechanical systems.
  • Lead technical validation, bring-up, and performance optimization of optical transceivers.
  • Support design validation, qualification, and root-cause analysis during development and production ramp.
  • Stay current with and implement relevant industry standards (IEEE, MSA, CMIS, etc.).
  • Contribute to automation of transceiver performance testing using Python, C++, or LabVIEW.

Qualifications
  • B.Tech (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in optical transceiver design, fiber optics, RF modulation, and networking systems.
  • Hands-on experience with:
    • PCB schematic design and layout review for optical modules.
    • High-speed opto-electrical system design, including DSPs, power rails, and microcontroller interfaces.
    • MSA and IEEE standards for optical transceivers (e.g., QSFP, OSFP, CMIS).
    • Testing transceiver performance: TDECQ, receiver sensitivity, stressed eye measurements.
    • DSP configuration and FIR equalization optimization for PAM4/NRZ signaling.
  • Software scripting skills for automation using Python, C++, or LabVIEW.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of interfacing across technical and managerial levels.

Preferred Qualifications
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Expertise in:
    • Optical transmission systems (TOSA/ROSA, Mach-Zehnder modulators, etc.).
    • Optical and electrical link analysis and impairment budgeting (OSNR, loss, etc.).
    • IC package design and analysis.
    • High-speed SerDes design (analog/DSP architectures).
    • RF front-end components (Drivers, TIAs, LAs).
    • Signal and power integrity analysis (HFSS, ADS, SI/PI tools).
  • Familiarity with coherent and direct-detect optical systems and DSP algorithms (e.g., clock recovery, polarization de-mux).
  • System-level understanding of current and emerging optical transceiver architectures and standards.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and collaborative, proactive attitude.
  • Willingness to travel when required.

Compensation Information
The new hire base pay for this role has a salary range of $150,000 to $230,000. Arista offers different pay ranges based on work location, so that we can offer consistent and competitive pay appropriate to the market. The actual base pay offered will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, relevant experience, and work location. The pay range provided reflects base pay only and in addition certain roles may also be eligible for discretionary Arista bonuses and equity. Employees in Sales roles are eligible to participate in Arista's Sales Incentive Plan, which pays commissions calculated as a percentage of eligible sales. US-based employees are also entitled to benefits including medical, dental, vision, wellbeing, tax savings and income protection. The recruiting team can share more details during the hiring process specific to the role and location.
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Additional Information
Arista Networks is an equal opportunity employer. Arista makes all hiring and employment-related decisions in a non-discriminatory manner without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable federal, state, or law law. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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