Optical System Architect

Job Description

Join Nokia Optical Networks and be part of the team driving the evolution of the world’s most advanced optical networking solutions. In an era where AI workloads and cloud-scale applications are transforming network demands, Nokia is leading the industry with cutting-edge DWDM and OTN technologies that deliver unmatched scalability, flexibility, and performance.

As a member of Nokia’s Optical Architecture team, you will play a key role in defining the next generation of optical networking solutions. You will lead the architecture and design of advanced DWDM communication systems, translating customer and market needs into clear system, functional, and user interface requirements. Working closely with Systems Architects, Systems Engineers, Software Development, Test Engineering, and Technical Documentation teams, you will drive innovative solutions from concept through implementation, helping deliver industry-leading products that power the world’s most demanding networks.

How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn

Collaborate with Product Line Management and translate customer requirements into comprehensive system architecture, functional specifications, and technical requirements.

Lead cross-functional teams in evaluating new feature requests, assessing technical feasibility, and developing innovative solutions aligned with product objectives.

Develop and maintain clear, concise, and high-quality architectural documentation, including high-level and detailed requirements specifications for equipment, pluggable modules, power, and facility management systems, as well as related technical design artefacts.

Collaborate with system architects, hardware, software, and verification teams to define and evolve system architectures, ensuring alignment between requirements, design, implementation, and validation activities.

Review and provide technical guidance for customer-facing documentation teams to ensure accuracy, completeness, clarity, and alignment with product architecture, requirements, and operational workflows.

Key Skills And Experience

• Strong expertise in optical networking technologies and standards, including DWDM, OTN, equipment management, network provisioning, infrastructure, power, and facility management systems.
• Proven experience defining and managing system requirements for Fault Management, Configuration Management, Performance Management, and Equipment Management functions within carrier-grade, multi-layer networking products.
• Experience translating business, customer, and operational requirements into clear system architectures, functional specifications, and technical requirements.
• Familiarity with CLI, YANG data models, model-driven management frameworks, and modern software development practices.
• Experience leveraging AI-assisted engineering tools and methodologies, including Cursor, AI-enabled Software Development Lifecycle (AI-SDLC) processes, and Agile development environments.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Self-motivated team player with demonstrated success collaborating across cross-functional, global, and culturally diverse engineering organizations.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, Optical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the telecommunications or networking industry, with at least 5 years of significant experience in Optical Transport Systems Architecture.