Principal Optical Communications Engineer

The Calix platform enables Communication Service Providers (CSPs) of all sizes to transform and future-proof their businesses. Through real-time data, automation, and actionable insights delivered via Calix One — our cloud-first, AI-powered platform — CSPs can simplify operations, collapse cost, and accelerate innovation. Calix One brings together the automation of everything and the experience of one, empowering customers to deliver differentiated subscriber experiences while driving acquisition, loyalty, and revenue growth. This is the Calix mission: to enable CSPs of all sizes to simplify, innovate, and grow, strengthening both their businesses and the communities they serve. We’re at the forefront of a once in a generational change in the broadband industry. Join us as we innovate, help our customers reach their potential, and connect underserved communities with unrivaled digital experiences. Empower Communities. Elevate Connectivity. Lead the Future of Optical Access. At Calix, we’re building the next generation of fiber access networks that enable communities to thrive, close the digital divide, and deliver world‑class broadband experiences. We are seeking a Principal Optical Communications Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, validation, and deployment of high‑performance optical access systems at scale. This role is ideal for a seasoned optical engineer with deep expertise in optical communications who is motivated to influence architecture, mentor engineers, and drive technology from concept through mass production. What You’ll Do: Provide technical leadership in the architecture, design, and optimization of optical interfaces and subsystems for Calix Optical Access Networks. Own system‑level optical performance, including link budgets, noise analysis, dispersion, margins, and interoperability across access network architectures. Lead cross‑functional efforts spanning silicon vendors, module suppliers, hardware, firmware, and systems teams to deliver robust fiber broadband solutions. Define and review optical specifications, validation plans, and acceptance criteria for transceivers and optical subsystems. Drive hands‑on lab investigations, including root‑cause analysis of complex optical and system‑level issues. Lead technology transitions by actively representing the company within FSAN, ITU‑T, and IEEE, shaping standards evolution through a combination of deep system‑level insight and ongoing hands‑on laboratory investigation, ensuring standards positions are grounded in real‑world performance, robustness, and thought leadership. Mentor and influence engineers, raising the technical bar across the optics, hardware and software teams. What You Bring: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline. 10+ years of professional experience in optical communications system design and development. Deep understanding of optical link design, including lasers, modulators, photodiodes, TIAs, dispersion, noise, and thermal effects. Proven experience with high‑speed optical systems spanning 10G through 400G, including familiarity with IEEE 802.3 and access‑network standards, FSAN and CableLabs. Strong background in lab characterization and system validation, including optical data transmission, eye/constellation analysis, and optical network systems interoperability. Experience working directly with optical module vendors and silicon partners to drive requirements and resolve issues. Ability to translate complex optical behavior into clear system‑level tradeoffs and recommendations. Preferred / Differentiators: Experience with Coherent and/or Direct‑Detect access technologies (PON, Metro/DWDM Transport, WDM broadband access). Familiarity with optical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, VPI, Python‑based analysis). Background in ROADM, WDM systems, or silicon photonics. Track record of technical leadership, authorship of specifications, or contribution to standards bodies. Why Calix: Lead technology that matters—your work directly improves connectedness for communities around the world. Influence real optical platform products at scale, from early architecture decisions through customer adoption. Collaborate with deeply experienced engineers in optics, hardware, and systems. Shape the future of broadband access and create this fast-approaching wave of disruption in the optical communications field. Location: This is an on-site position in Plymouth, MN The base pay range for this position varies based on the geographic location. More information about the pay range specific to candidate location and other factors will be shared during the recruitment process. Individual pay is determined based on location of residence and multiple factors, including job-related knowledge, skills and experience. San Francisco Bay Area: 165,600 - 281,800 USD Annual All Other US Locations: 144,000 - 245,000 USD Annual As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for a bonus. For information on our benefits click here.