Optical Systems Engineer – Data Center Hardware — Santa Clara, CA

About Marvell

Your Team, Your Impact

As Generative AI continues to advance, the performance drivers for data center infrastructure are shifting from systems-on-chip (SOCs) to systems of chips. In the era of Accelerated Computing, data center bottlenecks are no longer limited to compute performance, but rather the system’s interconnect bandwidth, memory bandwidth, and memory capacity. Photonic FabricTM is the next-generation interconnect technology that delivers a tenfold increase in performance and energy efficiency compared to competing solutions.

What You Can Expect

• Define fiber interconnect strategy and architecture for server, top-of-rack (ToR), and mid-rack switch platforms with a focus on co-packaged optics implementations.
• Architect fiber routing topologies within and between rack enclosures, accounting for bend radius constraints, fiber slack management, and cable tray occupancy.
• Specify optical shuffle and fan-out assemblies for breakout cabling, including MPO/MTP trunk cables, harnesses, and cassette-based patch panels.
• Evaluate and select optical connector standards (MPO, MMC, EBO etc) for front-panel and blind-mate backplane applications
• Drive optical cable management designs within 1U–4U server chassis: bulkhead cutouts, internal routing channels, and strain-relief provisions for both optical cables and direct-attach copper/fiber breakouts.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to define rack-level cable tray, vertical cable manager and horizontal cable organizer requirements for structured cabling.
• Specify blind-mate optical connector assemblies for sled-based and modular chassis architectures, ensuring reliable engagement over thousands of mating cycles.
• Define requirements for optical shuffle panels, patch panels, and cassette modules, including port labeling standards and color-coding schemes.
• Own optical BOM (Bill of Materials) for platform programs, including fiber counts, connector types, cable lengths, and spare provisioning ratios.

What We're Looking For

• M.S. in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in optical communications hardware, with a minimum of 5 years focused on data center or high-performance computing interconnects.
• Strong experience designing structured cabling solutions for high-density rack environments, including MPO trunk routing, shuffle design, and breakout panel integration.
• Deep expertise in fiber optic connectors, connector grades, and end-face geometry; proficiency with IEC 61300-3-35 inspection criteria.
• Strong familiarity with fiber troubleshooting tools and equipment (OTDR, OCDR etc.).
• Strong familiarity with mechanical CAD tools (SolidWorks or equivalent) for optical component placement and cable routing reviews.
• Solid understanding of single-mode fiber, polarization maintaining fiber and bend-insensitive fiber characteristics and standards.
• Understanding of Silicon photonics platforms and CPO & NPO architectures and associated optical engine integration challenges.
• Experience with IEEE 802.3 Ethernet optical PMD specifications.

Expected Base Pay Range (USD)

134,390 - 201,300, $ per annum

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