Principal Optical Systems Engineer

About the role
We are seeking a Principal Optical Systems Engineer to join our newly established optical system verification team at Celero Inc. The successful candidate will help lead system integration and validation of advanced coherent optical DSP solutions. Key areas of focus include defining system specifications, delivering test strategies for DSP and optical integration, supporting firmware solutions to resolve integration challenges in pluggable modules, and driving cross-domain debugging and optimization across DSP, optics, and hardware. You will also help shape architecture and next-generation product direction (1.6T and beyond).
This role requires deep expertise in communication theory, DSP algorithms, and optical systems, combined with strong leadership in defining validation methodologies and resolving complex cross-functional issues.
Key Responsibilities
Partner with the DSP systems group to translate high-level system requirements into DSP performance targets for equalization, clock recovery, and laser frequency and phase recovery
Establish link budgets based on DSP specifications to set performance targets for optical components and work with module partners to optimize link margin
Lead development of high-fidelity system models that correlate with ROSNR and module receiver sensitivity measurements
Lead resolution of critical system-level issues spanning DSP algorithms, analog front-end calibrations, and optical impairments
Develop structured debug frameworks to isolate multi-domain problems
Work with module partners to define system-level test frameworks and adopt qualification test plans from tier-1 customers to expedite module deployment
Oversee bring-up of new DSP ASIC EVBs and coherent optical modules
Required Qualifications
Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Communications, Photonics, or related field, or equivalent experience
10+ years of experience in coherent optical systems or high-speed communication systems
Proven track record of leading system verification of coherent optical DSP products (e.g., 400ZR, 800ZR, coherent-lite).
Hands-on experience working with:
Optical communication hardware and components – EVBs and pluggable modules
High-speed optical and electrical test/measurement equipment, such as OSA, RTO, DCA, and AWG
Extensive understanding of DSP and FEC for coherent optical communication systems, including experience with QPSK, 16QAM, and 64QAM.
Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, and/or C
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with OIF implementation agreements (400ZR, 800ZR), OpenZR+, and the CMIS management interface for pluggable modules
Experience with advanced coherent techniques, such as probabilistic constellation shaping and soft-decision FEC (e.g., oFEC)
Knowledge of coherent optical components (tunable lasers, modulators, ICRs, silicon photonics or InP) and how their impairments affect DSP performance, such as laser phase noise, PDL, PMD, and fiber nonlinearity
Familiarity with OTDR-based fiber link characterization
Experience building automated test frameworks in Python, including instrument control
Experience working directly with hyperscale or tier-1 network operator customers
Publications or patents in optical communications or DSP