Nokia
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53 Nokia Principal Engineer Jobs Hiring Near You

As a Principal Hardware Engineer at Nokia, you will take a leadership role in defining, designing, developing, and optimizing ethernet switching and routing products for service provider, data center ...

As a Principal Hardware Engineer at Nokia, you will take a leadership role in defining, designing, developing, and optimizing ethernet switching and routing products for service provider, data center ...

As a Principal PIC Simulation, Materials and Device Characterization Engineer , you will serve as a technical authority within Nokia's Optical Components organization, responsible for deep technical ...

As a Principal PIC Simulation, Materials and Device Characterization Engineer , you will serve as a technical authority within Nokia's Optical Components organization, responsible for deep technical ...

At Nokia, we're looking for innovative minds to join our Applied Research & Development (AR) and ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering Practical understanding of ...

At Nokia, we're looking for innovative minds to join our Applied Research & Development (AR) and ... Responsibilities As a Hardware Engineer in the IP Routing group, you will be responsible for the ...

Nokia is committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer Nokia has received the ... Sc. in Elec/Computer Engineering is a must, higher degrees preferred Minimum of 10+ years ASIC ...

Acting as Nokia's principal technical advisor, the role partners closely with the Account Executive ... Engage with customer CxOs, enterprise architects, and engineering leaders to jointly drive ...

Acting as Nokia's principal technical advisor, the role partners closely with the Account Executive ... Engage with customer CxOs, enterprise architects, and engineering leaders to jointly drive ...

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Nokia Jobs Information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Engineer, you need deep technical expertise in your engineering discipline, strong problem-solving abilities, and typically an advanced degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with complex software development tools, architectural frameworks, and industry certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or relevant PE licenses is common. Exceptional leadership, communication, and mentorship skills help Principal Engineers guide teams and influence project direction. These competencies are essential for driving innovation, ensuring technical excellence, and delivering large-scale, high-impact solutions.

How does a Principal Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

Principal Engineers play a key role in collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as product management, design, and operations, to ensure technical solutions align with business objectives. They often lead architectural discussions, mentor team members, and facilitate communication between engineering and non-engineering stakeholders. This collaboration helps identify potential challenges early, streamline development processes, and deliver high-quality products. Additionally, Principal Engineers are often involved in setting technical standards and guiding teams through complex problem-solving.

What are Principal Engineers?

Principal Engineers are highly experienced technical experts who lead engineering teams, provide strategic technical direction, and help solve complex engineering challenges within an organization. They often act as mentors, set technical standards, and collaborate with stakeholders across departments to drive innovation and ensure the success of engineering projects. Principal Engineers typically have many years of industry experience and are recognized for their deep technical knowledge and leadership skills.

What is the difference between Principal Engineer vs Senior Engineer?

AspectPrincipal EngineerSenior Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires 8+ years of experience, advanced technical skills, and often leadership or mentorship experienceUsually requires 3-7 years of experience with strong technical skills
Work EnvironmentLeads complex projects, influences technical strategy, collaborates across teamsFocuses on executing technical tasks, supporting project development, and mentoring junior staff
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large tech companies, engineering firms, and organizations with advanced technical hierarchiesWidely used across industries for experienced technical contributors

The main difference between a Principal Engineer and a Senior Engineer lies in their level of responsibility, experience, and influence. Principal Engineers typically lead complex projects and shape technical strategies, while Senior Engineers focus on executing technical tasks and supporting team efforts. Both roles require strong technical skills, but Principal Engineers often have more leadership and strategic responsibilities.

What is it like to work at Nokia?

Nokia is a technology company that values innovation, collaboration, and customer-centricity, fostering a culture of openness and transparency among its employees. The company's structure is organized into various teams, including research and development, product management, and sales, which work together to design and deliver cutting-edge wireless and network technologies. Working at Nokia may appeal to candidates who are passionate about shaping the future of technology and telecommunications, with opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking projects and collaborate with a global team of experts.
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings at Nokia in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Principal Hardware Engineer

Principal Hardware Engineer

Nokia

Westford, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Nokia rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 76 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

Job Description
As a Principal Hardware Engineer at Nokia, you will take a leadership role in defining, designing, developing, and optimizing ethernet switching and routing products for service provider, data center, and enterprise applications. You will work closely with a larger cross-functional team including product line managers, hardware, software and mechanical and manufacturing engineers, as well as development and manufacturing partners to deliver high-performance, innovative and reliable hardware platforms. This role requires deep technical expertise, a passion for innovation, and a track record of successful execution.
DCN2026
Responsibilities
  • Lead development of one or more hardware platforms from conception through release to production, working with either in-house or development partner engineering teams, and ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, and cost targets.
  • Lead and direct development activities including documentation, design and schematic implementation, PCB layout, unit and system level validation, regulatory and environmental specification conformance testing, and manufacturing readiness.
  • Collaborate with software and firmware engineers to ensure seamless integration between hardware and software components.
  • Develop and execute validation and verification plans to ensure hardware meets all functional and performance specifications.
  • Identify and mitigate risks associated with hardware design and production, including failure analysis and troubleshooting.
  • Mentor and guide junior engineers, providing technical leadership and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Develop and manage relationships with external suppliers and overseeing key component selection
  • Understand and capitalize on industry trends and emerging technologies in both the technology partner ecosystem and applying new knowledge to enhance hardware design and development processes.
  • Prepare and present technical documentation and report on program activities and status to stakeholders and senior management.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
  • 10+ years hardware development experience, with a strong track record in designing and developing hardware platforms for data networking applications.
  • Thorough knowledge of project management and end-to-end hardware development processes.
  • Expertise with high-speed digital design, power systems design, constraint-driven PCB layout, and design for manufacturing and test.
  • Proficiency with EDA tool suites such as Mentor Xpedition, Cadence Allegro, OrCAD, or similar EDA tools.
  • Solid understanding of hardware and software integration, including experience with ethernet switches and routers, x86 and ARM CPUs, FPGAs, and embedded systems.
  • Experience with safety, EMC and environmental standards and regulatory compliance certification.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze and resolve complex technical issues.
  • Strong technical leadership abilities.
  • Effective communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

About Us
Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we're advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Learn more about life at Nokia.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
If you're interested in this role but don't meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
About the Team
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.