Optical Communication Systems, Senior Staff Engineer

Job Title

Optical Communication Systems, Senior Staff Engineer

Role Summary

Lead system-level architecture and performance for electro-optical transmit paths in silicon-photonics optical engines for data center and AI interconnects. Work across photonics, analog/ASIC, and packaging teams to specify, model, test, and optimize high-speed optical links.

Experience Level

Senior-level. Candidates should have industry experience consistent with a senior staff role; the posting identifies a target of 3+ years of relevant industry experience alongside an advanced degree.

Responsibilities

Accountable for defining system budgets, modeling link performance, and driving cross-functional technical alignment. Typical responsibilities include:

• Own end-to-end architecture and performance of the electro-optical transmit path from electrical driver interface through PIC, package, to optical output (targeting 400G/lane CPO and beyond).
• Define and partition system-level specifications and budgets across digital, analog, and electro-optical domains; translate link targets (BER, SNR/OSNR, OMA, TDECQ) into component requirements.
• Model and predict end-to-end optical link performance using eye and constellation diagrams and impairment analysis; assess impact of equalization and DSP (FFE, DFE, CTLE, coherent DSP).
• Support co-design and technical alignment across photonics, analog/ASIC, and packaging teams to optimize performance, power, and signal integrity.
• Plan, execute, and lead characterization and qualification of electro-optical components and integrated systems; define test methodologies and acceptance criteria.
• Analyze measurement data and lead root-cause analysis of complex signal-integrity issues across electrical and optical domains.
• Represent system-level requirements in architecture and interface definitions; ensure alignment with industry standards (for example IEEE 802.3, OIF CEI) and customer specifications.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and professional traits; followed by preferred capabilities.

• Proven background in optical communications (coherent and/or IM/DD) or high-frequency electro-optical characterization (>110 GHz).
• Hands-on experience in electro-optical device testing (modulators, photodetectors, lasers); high-speed testing preferred.
• Solid understanding of RF/microwave engineering, signal integrity, high-frequency circuit theory, interconnects, silicon photonics, and semiconductor packaging.
• Ability to model link-level performance (eye diagrams, BER, SNR/OSNR, OMA, TDECQ) and translate into design requirements.
• Strong ownership, autonomy in fast-paced environments, and ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills and a track record of delivering results in ambiguous or evolving projects.
• Eligibility to access export-controlled technology may be required; applicants may be subject to export license review.
• Candidates must not use AI assistance tools during interviews (per employer interview integrity policy).

Nice-to-have:

• High-speed link modeling, channel budgeting, and equalization techniques (FFE, DFE, CTLE).
• Experience interfacing with high-speed SerDes (≥200G PAM4, ideally 400G PAM4).
• Hands-on use of high-frequency characterization equipment (VNA, AWG, PPG, DCA, BERT) and data modulation techniques.
• Python or MATLAB for lab automation, data analysis, or system simulation.
• 3D EM (HFSS), high-frequency circuit simulation (ADS), or RF PCB design experience.
• Experience with advanced packaging and 2.5D/3D integration in optical platforms.

Education Requirements

Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related technical field. The posting indicates preference for candidates with 3+ years of industry experience alongside the advanced degree.

About the Company

Company: Marvell Technology

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States

Marvell’s semiconductor solutions serve as essential building blocks of the data infrastructure connecting our world, driving innovation across enterprise, cloud, AI, and carrier architectures. The company focuses on creating transformative technology that shapes the future.