Principal Applications Engineer – Coherent Optical & Network Systems

Job Title

Principal Applications Engineer – Coherent Optical & Network Systems

Role Summary

Customer-facing applications engineering role within Cloud Optics Applications Engineering. Responsible for optical module qualification, system validation, and technical engagement with hyperscale and data center customers.

Work focuses on validation and debug of coherent pluggable optics in production network environments and developing test automation and documentation to support product qualification and field deployments.

Experience Level

Senior — 8–12+ years of experience in applications engineering, system/network validation, or optical module engineering.

Responsibilities

Lead validation, debugging, and customer technical engagement across optics, electrical, firmware, and system layers.

• Lead end-to-end debug and root-cause analysis across optical, electrical, firmware, and system layers, including interoperability between modules, switches/routers, and optical line systems.
• Partner with hyperscale customers on product bring-up, qualification execution, technical escalations, test plans, and product definitions.
• Define, develop, and execute validation and debug test plans for coherent pluggable optics (e.g., 400G/800G/1.6T ZR/ZR+) operating within open line systems and network equipment.
• Develop Python-based automation for test execution, data collection, and analysis.
• Drive technical communication and corrective actions with internal engineering teams.
• Create technical documentation such as application notes, qualification summaries, and debug reports.

Requirements

Key technical skills and domain experience required for successful performance in this role.

• Strong hands-on lab experience with optics and system-level testing, particularly coherent optical modules in end-to-end network environments.
• Proficiency in Python for automation, test orchestration, and data analysis.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical investigations independently and drive resolution across teams.
• Experience working directly with hyperscale or large cloud customers and handling technical escalations.
• Practical experience validating interoperability with switches/routers and optical line systems, and familiarity with network OSes such as SONiC, IOS‑XR, EOS, Junos.
• Strong background in Physical layer (Layer 1/Layer 2) interoperability testing, system bring-up, and cross-domain debug spanning optical performance and host/network interfaces.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related technical field is required; Master's degree preferred.

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.