DSP Algorithms Engineer – System Level Testing; Coherent Optical

DSP Algorithms Engineer – System Level Testing (Coherent Optical)

Location: Austin, TX (On-site, 5 days/week – Mandatory)

Employment Type: Full-time

Visa Status: H1-B Sponsorship Available | USC / GC Welcome

Interview Process: 3 Rounds | ~2 Weeks

Relocation: Depends

Equity: Yes (discussed post-selection)

Base pay range: $/yr - $/yr

We are seeking a senior-level DSP Algorithms Engineer to own system-level performance verification of advanced coherent optical DSP prior to silicon tape-out. This is a problem-centric, high-impact individual contributor role focused on breaking designs before it is too late to fix them
. The engineer will act as the final technical line of defense against latent algorithmic and system-level issues by stressing DSP designs under realistic and worst-case optical scenarios
. This role is not tool-driven, not QA-focused, and not a ramp-up position
—it requires deep, hands‑on optical DSP expertise from day one.

• Own end-to-end system-level performance verification across the Tx → fiber → Rx signal chain.
• Design and execute aggressive stress tests, corner cases, and adversarial scenarios to expose algorithmic weaknesses prior to tape‑out.
• Focus on robustness validation and bug discovery, not basic functional or feature validation.

• Build and maintain realistic optical channel models, including fiber propagation effects and physical impairments.
• Model impairments such as dispersion, non‑linearities, noise, and laser‑related effects.
• Translate real‑world optical behavior into actionable system‑level test scenarios.
• Continuously refine models to reflect worst‑case and edge‑case deployment conditions.

• Leverage deep DSP algorithm knowledge to intentionally attack known weak points.
• Collaborate closely with DSP algorithm designers to:
  • Define performance metrics, acceptance criteria, and failure thresholds.
  • Interpret failures in the context of algorithmic intent and system trade‑offs.
  • Drive root‑cause analysis and corrective action recommendations.

• Develop and maintain flexible system‑level test frameworks (MATLAB, C/C++, Python, System
  
  C, or equivalent).
• Automate regression testing and performance analysis to enable rapid iteration.
• Produce clear documentation covering:
  • Test methodology and assumptions.
  • Coverage gaps.
  • Performance trends and risk areas.

• Operate as a self‑directed individual contributor within a globally distributed team.
• Serve as a domain expert, contributing deep technical knowledge rather than learning fundamentals on the job.

• Deep expertise in coherent optical communications DSP, with hands‑on experience in real optical systems.
• Proven background in DSP algorithm development and system‑level verification, preferably in pre‑silicon environments.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Optical fiber channel behavior and physical impairments.
  • Coherent receiver architectures and DSP signal processing chains.
• Extensive experience with DSP simulation and modeling using:
  • MATLAB, C/C++, Python, System
    
    C, or equivalent.
• Ability to independently define, execute, and interpret complex verification strategies.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field (degree level secondary to demonstrated expertise).
• Experience in commercial/industrial environments (not purely academic research).
• Ability to work on‑site in Austin, TX five days a week (mandatory).

• RTL‑level understanding or familiarity with hardware implementation flows.
• Experience with analog front‑end (AFE) behavior and DSP interaction.
• Exposure to:
  • Fixed‑point modeling.
  • ASIC / DSP implementation considerations.
  • FEC schemes (LDPC, RS, OFEC).
  • Mixed‑signal effects such as jitter, PLL, and CDR behavior.