Principal System Architect, Optical Line Systems (ROADM and Amplifiers), Nokia Bengaluru
Job Description
This optical networking R&D job in Bengaluru is a Principal System Architect role in Nokia’s optical networks team. You own the architecture of Layer-0 features such as ROADMs and optical amplifiers. It needs a PhD with 5 years, or an M.Sc with 8 years, in optical transport.
At a glance
- Role: Principal System Architect – OLS (requisition 41137)
- Team: Applied R&D, R&D Architecture
- Where: Bengaluru, India (hybrid, full time, regular)
- Pay: Not stated in the posting
- Posted: 8 October 2026
- Apply: open until filled (re-checked 20 November 2026)
Why this role matters
Every long-distance data link in India runs over optical line systems like these. Senior architect roles in optics are rare in the country. This one sets the design of products used by operators worldwide.
What the optical line systems architect does
- Shapes feature requirements with product line management, and judges new requests on feasibility, cost and risk
- Owns system requirements, architecture specs and acceptance criteria, and guides teams through build and test
- Designs and validates link-level control loops: power control, gain and tilt equalisation, and transient suppression
- Defines design rules and optical performance models, such as target power profiles and OSNR estimation
- Leads cross-functional feature teams, meets key customers and mentors engineers and architects
What Nokia is looking for
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Optics, Physics or a related field, plus at least 5 years in optical transport or related telecom work; or an M.Sc in the same fields plus at least 8 years
- Deep understanding of fibre transmission: power and OSNR evolution, and fibre nonlinearities
- Hands-on experience with coherent transponders, EDFAs, Raman amplifiers and ROADM/WSS
- Knowledge of OTN, Ethernet and the SDN/GMPLS control plane
- Experience with closed- and open-loop control algorithms and optical performance monitoring
- A record of writing and leading requirements and architecture specifications
Nice to have
- Working knowledge of YANG, ONF TAPI, OpenROADM and OpenConfig data models
- Familiarity with the SONiC Optical Transport Network Working Group and OTAI
Pay and location
The posting does not state pay. The role is in Bengaluru, India. It is hybrid, full time and a regular contract.
How to apply
Apply through the official Nokia job posting. Nokia’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 20 November 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.
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Hiring institution: Nokia
Official advertisement: jobs.nokia.com
How to prepare for this application
- Prepare a link-design story: explain one line system you designed, with its power budget and OSNR margins.
- Revise amplifier control: EDFA gain and tilt control, Raman pumping, and how transients spread through a chain.
- Know ROADM and WSS details: channel equalisation, add/drop structures and filtering penalties.
- Brush up on open models: YANG, OpenROADM, OpenConfig and TAPI, and why operators want them.
- Show leadership: bring an example where you led a cross-team decision on architecture.
About Nokia
Nokia is a Finnish network equipment company. It works across fixed, mobile and transport networks, and runs Nokia Bell Labs. Its optical networks business grew after it bought Infinera, which had a large R&D centre in Bengaluru.
