System Architecture Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled System Architecture Engineer to join our Optical Systems team. In this role, the qualified engineer will contribute to development of high‑capacity optical fiber transmission systems for a wide variety of applications – from inter‑data center links to long‑haul WDM networks. The successful candidate will work with the latest generation of components and advanced optical system configurations to enhance system performance, maximize spectral efficiency, increase transmission distances, and improve wavelength routing flexibility.

The results of these studies will be used to generate system‑level specifications and engineering rules for all deployments of Adtran’s WDM product line.

• Investigate emerging component technologies to enhance WDM transmission performance.
• Set up optical fiber transmission links and conduct experiments to quantify system performance under varied transmission conditions.
• Develop test‑automation software to improve measurement accuracy and accelerate data collection.
• Perform network simulations using commercial or proprietary fiber‑optic transmission tools to complement experimental findings.
• Develop algorithms for estimating transmission impairments and define engineering rules for deployment of Adtran WDM systems based on results from lab testing, simulations, and analytical modeling.
• Apply machine‑learning techniques to analyze, predict, or optimize optical‑system performance.
• Document technical results in written reports, slide presentations, and internal or customer‑facing materials.
• Use relevant new results for conference presentations and scientific journal publications.
• Other projects and assignments may result and be assigned to accommodate the changing needs of the department and the Company.

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field. Recent Ph.D. graduates are especially encouraged to apply.
• Strong background in photonics and optical telecommunications, with a solid understanding of opto‑electronic circuits used in fiber‑optic transmission.
• Hands‑on experience with optical components, fiber‑optic systems, and relevant laboratory test equipment.
• Proficiency with MATLAB or Python for test automation, data analysis, and modeling.
• Knowledge of integrated opto‑electronic circuits and DSP algorithms for coherent detection.
• Foundational knowledge of machine‑learning concepts and experience applying ML algorithms to engineering or scientific data.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven track record of successful research activity through journal publications and conference papers in the field of WDM transmission.
• An innovative mindset to address the challenges of future DWDM transmission networks.