Optical Communication System Test Engineer
Marvell Technology • Santa Clara, California, United States
Salary: $158,600 - $237,600 / year
Role & seniority: Senior Electrical Engineer (optical communications); 10–15 years (BS) or 5–10 years (MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering
Stack/tools: Optical test & measurement (OSA, wave analyzers, EDFAs, OSNR, WDM, etc.); coherent/IMDD DSPs; lab automation (Python); remote lab control; MySQL; version control (Git/SVN); familiarity with optical modules (CFP2, OSFP-XD, QSFP-DD)
Top 3 responsibilities
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System verification of coherent and IMDD DSPs within optical communication systems; develop and execute test plans
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Lab-based debugging and root-cause analysis on evaluation boards; resolve customer issues
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Product/board bring-up for new platforms; automation of device control and testing; document procedures and generate validation reports
Must-have skills
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10–15 years (BS) or 5–10 years (MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering with optical fiber communications experience
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Proficiency with optical instruments (OSA, spectrum/wave analyzers, EDFAs); solid understanding of coherent systems fundamentals
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Hands-on test automation and remote lab control (Python); experience with MySQL data handling; Git/SVN
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Experience with OSNR, WDM, CD, PMD, PDL, laser linewidth
Nice-to-haves
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Experience designing/building optical systems (Raman amplifiers, ROADMs)
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Familiarity with coherent/IMDD DSP architectures and testing
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Proficiency with optics modules/formats (CFP2, OSFP-XD, QSFP-DD)
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Location & work type: On-site role; five days in the office; location
Full Description
About Marvell Marvell’s semiconductor solutions are the essential building blocks of the data infrastructure that connects our world. Across enterprise, cloud and AI, and carrier architectures, our innovative technology is enabling new possibilities. At Marvell, you can affect the arc of individual lives, lift the trajectory of entire industries, and fuel the transformative potential of tomorrow. For those looking to make their mark on purposeful and enduring innovation, above and beyond fleeting trends, Marvell is a place to thrive, learn, and lead. Your Team, Your Impact Join Marvell’s elite Data Center Engineering Optical Systems team, dedicated to coherent and IMDD DSPs paired with cutting-edge optical engines. This team pioneers analog validations—working with amplifiers, silicon photonics, DSP programming—and supports high-bandwidth, long-distance transceiver solutions for internal and external data-center customers. What You Can Expect System verification of coherent DSP: Build and execute test plans for Marvell’s coherent and IMDD DSPs integrated into optical communication systems (OSA, EDFA, wavelength analyzers). Lab-based debugging: Investigate and resolve customer issues via root-cause analysis using lab experiments on evaluation boards. Product and board bring-up: Lead optical system bring-up for new products and evaluation platforms. Automation & instrumentation: Automate device control and testing (Python, remote scripting), interface with MySQL databases, and manage version control with Git/SVN. Reporting & collaboration: Produce clear validation reports for customers, document test setups/procedures, and work within fast-paced, cross-functional teams. What We're Looking For Must-Have Qualifications Bachelor's Engineer with 10-15 years experience; Master’s degree or Ph.D. years 5-10 experience in Electrical Engineering. Experience with optical fiber communication systems, including coherent communications, OSNR, WDM, CD, PMD, PDL, and laser linewidth. Proficiency with optical instruments: optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), wave analyzers, EDFAs, etc. Hands-on experience with test automation, device scripting, and remote lab control (preferably Python). Solid understanding of optical coherent systems fundamentals. Five days in office, no remote or hybrid offered. Highly Desired Experience designing/building optical communication systems (Raman amplifiers, ROADMs). Familiarity with coherent/IMDD DSP architecture and testing. Skills in MySQL for data analysis and managing large test datasets. Proficiency in version control systems (git/SVN). Experience with optics modules such as CFP2, OSFP‑XD, or QSFP‑DD formats. Expected Base Pay Range (USD) 158,600 - 237,600, $ per annum The successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location and market conditions. The expected base pay range for this role may be modified based on market conditions. Additional Compensation and Benefit Elements Marvell is committed to providing exceptional, comprehensive benefits that support our employees at every stage - from internship to retirement and through life’s most important moments. Our offerings are built around four key pillars: financial well-being, family support, mental and physical health, and recognition. Highlights include an employee stock purchase plan with a 2-year look back, family support programs to help balance work and home life, robust mental health resources to prioritize emotional well-being, and a recognition and service awards to celebrate contributions and milestones. We look forward to sharing more with you during the interview process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Any applicant who requires a reasonable accommodation during the selection process should contact Marvell HR Helpdesk at TAOps@marvell.com. Interview Integrity To support fair and authentic hiring practices, candidates are not permitted to use AI tools (such as transcription apps, real-time answer generators like ChatGPT or Copilot, or automated note-taking bots) during interviews. These tools must not be used to record, assist with, or enhance responses in any way. Our interviews are designed to evaluate your individual experience, thought process, and communication skills in real time. Use of AI tools without prior instruction from the interviewer will result in disqualification from the hiring process. This position may require access to technology and/or software subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, applicants must be eligible to access export-controlled information as defined under applicable law. Marvell may be required to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce and/or the U.S. Department of State. Except for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), all applicants may be subject to an export license review process prior to employment. #LI-AO1 Join our talent community to hear about company news, job openings and events. Join our Talent Community! Marvell’s semiconductor solutions are the essential building blocks of the data infrastructure that connects our world. Across enterprise, cloud and AI, automotive, and carrier architectures, our innovative technology is enabling new possibilities. At Marvell, you can affect the arc of individual lives, lift the trajectory of entire industries, and fuel the transformative potential of tomorrow. For those looking to make their mark on purposeful and enduring innovation, above and beyond fleeting trends, Marvell is a place to thrive, learn, and lead. Recruitment fraud is a well-known way that third parties try to get personal information or to steal money from you. Please review Marvell’s guidance here to learn more on how you can protect yourself.