Optical Systems Engineer – Data Center Hardware

Job Title

Optical Systems Engineer – Data Center Hardware

Role Summary

Design fiber interconnect architectures and cable management for data center servers and switches, with emphasis on co-packaged optics and high-density rack implementations. Collaborate with hardware and mechanical teams to define optical connectivity, connector standards, and platform BOMs.

Experience Level

Senior-level. Requires 10+ years in optical communications hardware, including a minimum of 5 years focused on data center or high-performance computing interconnects.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include defining interconnect architecture, specifying components, and ensuring reliable mechanical and optical integration.

• Define fiber interconnect strategy and architecture for servers, top-of-rack, and mid-rack switches with focus on co-packaged optics.
• Architect fiber routing within and between rack enclosures, addressing bend radius, slack management, and cable tray occupancy.
• Specify optical shuffle and fan-out assemblies, including MPO/MTP trunk cables, harnesses, and cassette-based patch panels.
• Evaluate and select optical connector standards (MPO, MMC, EBO, etc.) for front-panel and blind-mate backplane applications.
• Drive optical cable management designs within 1U–4U server chassis: bulkhead cutouts, internal routing channels, and strain relief provisions.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to define rack-level cable tray and cable manager requirements for structured cabling.
• Specify blind-mate optical connector assemblies for sled-based and modular chassis architectures and validate mating reliability.
• Define requirements for optical shuffle panels, patch panels, and cassette modules, including port labeling and color-coding schemes.
• Own optical BOMs for platform programs: fiber counts, connector types, cable lengths, and spare provisioning ratios.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience.

• 10+ years hands-on experience in optical communications hardware; at least 5 years focused on data center or HPC interconnects.
• Experience designing structured cabling for high-density rack environments, including MPO trunk routing, shuffle design, and breakout panel integration.
• Deep expertise in fiber optic connectors, connector grades, and end-face geometry; familiarity with IEC 61300-3-35 inspection criteria.
• Proficiency with fiber troubleshooting and test equipment (OTDR, OCDR).
• Familiarity with mechanical CAD tools (SolidWorks or equivalent) for optical component placement and cable routing reviews.
• Solid understanding of single-mode, polarization-maintaining, and bend-insensitive fiber characteristics and standards.
• Experience with IEEE 802.3 Ethernet optical PMD specifications.
• Understanding of silicon photonics platforms and CPO & NPO architectures and related optical engine integration challenges.

Nice-to-have: prior platform-level BOM ownership and experience with MPO/MTP connector manufacturing tolerances.

Education Requirements

M.S. in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline (as stated in the posting).

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.