Meet the Team Our team is responsible for delivering the high-end hardware systems for Cisco's switching and optical portfolios. We are seeking a Senior Optical Engineer with deep expertise in optical transceiver design, particularly in the optical subsystem architecture, component integration, and end-to-end optical performance optimization. As a key technical leader, you will drive the development of next-generation optical modules for high-speed data communication and telecom applications, ensuring superior performance, reliability, and compliance with global standards. This role requires a proven track record of leading complex projects, solving critical technical challenges, and mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced R&D environment. Your Impact Key Responsibilities * Technical Leadership & Product Development * Lead the optical design of advanced optical transceivers (e.g., 400G, 800G, 1.6T Ethernet, DWDM, CWDM, etc.), covering the full lifecycle from requirements analysis to prototyping, testing, and mass production. * Define optical subsystem architecture, including laser/photodetector selection, optical coupling, signal integrity, and packaging design to meet strict power, bandwidth, and cost targets. * Optimize optical performance parameters (e.g., insertion loss, BER, optical power budget, thermal stability) using simulation tools (Zemax, OptiSystem, Lumerical) and experimental validation. * Component & System Integration * Evaluate and qualify optical components (DFB lasers, EMLs, APDs, PINs, PLC splitters, TOSAs/ROsAs) for reliability and performance, collaborating with suppliers to drive innovation. * Address complex integration challenges in high-density optical modules, such as crosstalk, thermal management, and polarization-dependent loss (PDL). * Ensure compliance with industry standards (IEEE 802.3, ITU-T, MSA specifications like QSFP-DD, OSFP, COBO) and regulatory requirements (EMC, safety). * Team Collaboration & Mentorship * Work cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to align design goals and resolve technical conflicts. * Mentor junior engineers on optical design best practices, simulation techniques, and failure analysis, fostering a culture of technical excellence. * Present technical findings to internal stakeholders and external partners, driving data-driven decisions for product roadmap planning. * Innovation & Continuous Improvement * Track emerging technologies (silicon photonics, co-packaged optics, advanced packaging) and propose novel solutions to enhance product competitiveness. * Conduct failure mode analysis (FMEA) for optical sub-systems, driving yield improvement and reliability enhancements. * Contribute to intellectual property (IP) development, including patents and technical whitepapers, to strengthen our market leadership. Minimum Qualifications: * Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field (Bachelor’s with 10+ years of relevant experience will be considered). * Experience: 10+ years of hands-on experience in optical transceiver design, with a proven track record of delivering 10G to 1.6T+ modules for datacom or telecom markets. * Technical Expertise: * In-depth knowledge of optical component physics (laser diode operation, photodetector noise mechanisms, fiber coupling principles). * Proficiency in optical simulation tools (Zemax, OptiSystem, Lumerical FDTD) and thermal/mechanical analysis (ANSYS, COMSOL). * Strong understanding of high-speed optical link budgets, signal modulation formats (NRZ, PAM4, Coherent), and DSP-optical subsystem interactions. * Familiarity with optical packaging technologies (butterfly, COB, COC, silicon photonics integration). * Soft Skills: * Exceptional problem-solving skills for complex optical engineering challenges (e.g., low SNR, high BER, thermal drift). * Excellent communication and leadership abilities, with a history of leading cross-functional teams. * Self-driven mindset with a passion for innovation and staying ahead of industry trends. Preferred Qualifications: * Experience with silicon photonics or advanced materials (PLC, glass photonics). * Knowledge of automated test equipment (ATE) for optical module characterization. * Publications or patents in optical communication technologies. #WeAreCisco (This is the Standard and cannot be changed) #WeAreCisco where every individual brings their unique skills and perspectives together to pursue our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all. Our passion is connection—we celebrate our employees’ diverse set of backgrounds and focus on unlocking potential. Cisconians often experience one company, many careers where learning and development are encouraged and supported at every stage. Our technology, tools, and culture pioneered hybrid work trends, allowing all to not only give their best, but be their best. We understand our outstanding opportunity to bring communities together and at the heart of that is our people. 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