Optical Hardware Engineer

Overview

ADTRAN is seeking a highly motivated Optical Hardware Engineer to join our team developing next-generation DWDM optical transport solutions. This role will contribute to the design, evaluation, qualification, and integration of advanced optical components and subsystems used in high-performance optical networking products. The successful candidate will collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines to develop innovative solutions that meet demanding performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost objectives.

This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies that enable the future of optical communication networks while participating throughout the entire product development lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities

Optical System Development

• Define specifications, evaluate performance, qualify, and integrate passive and active optical components and subsystems.
• Support the development of DWDM optical communication systems incorporating:
  • DWDM modules
  • ROADMs (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers)
  • Wavelength-selective switches
  • Optical amplifiers
  • Laser and photodetector-based subsystems
• Analyze system performance and support optical design trade-off studies.
• Collaborate with component suppliers and technology partners to evaluate emerging optical technologies.

Hardware Design

• Design and develop electronic circuits for laser, photodetector, and optical subsystem control.
• Implement and optimize analog and digital control algorithms.
• Contribute to mixed-signal hardware development and troubleshooting activities.
• Provide PCB layout guidance and participate in schematic, layout, and design reviews.
• Support hardware integration, verification, and product qualification activities.

Test, Validation, and Automation

• Perform hands-on laboratory testing, characterization, and validation of optical components and subsystems.
• Develop software tools and automation solutions for:
  • Instrument control
  • Data acquisition
  • Test monitoring
  • Performance characterization
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to identify performance trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and execute qualification and reliability test plans.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with optical, electrical, mechanical, firmware, software, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams.
• Drive technical solutions that balance performance, packaging, interface, reliability, and cost requirements.
• Participate in design reviews and support root-cause analysis and corrective actions when necessary.
• Create and maintain high-quality engineering documentation, reports, specifications, and test procedures.

Required Qualifications

Education

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• MS degree is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant engineering experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Optical communications
  • Test and measurement systems
  • Hardware development
  • Mixed-signal electronics
  • Photonics or related technologies

Technical Skills

• Understanding of optical communication systems and optical networking technologies.
• Experience with test equipment and laboratory measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of analog and digital electronics.
• Experience with mixed-signal circuit design and debugging.
• Familiarity with laser and photodetector control systems.
• Ability to analyze technical data and solve complex engineering problems.

Software Skills

Experience with one or more of the following is desirable:

• Visual Basic
• Microsoft Excel automation
• LabVIEW
• C++
• Test automation and data acquisition software development

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DWDM transmission systems.
• Knowledge of ROADMs, wavelength-selective switching technologies, and optical amplifiers.
• Familiarity with analog servo-loop control systems.
• Experience supporting products through the complete development lifecycle from concept through production.
• Knowledge of optical component reliability and qualification requirements.
• Familiarity with industry standards including:
  • Telcordia
  • IEC
  • ITU
• Experience working with external vendors and technology suppliers.