Optical Systems Engineer – Data Center Hardware

About Marvell

Marvell’s semiconductor solutions are the essential building blocks of the data infrastructure that connects our world. Across enterprise, cloud and AI, and carrier architectures, our innovative technology is enabling new possibilities. 

At Marvell, you can affect the arc of individual lives, lift the trajectory of entire industries, and fuel the transformative potential of tomorrow. For those looking to make their mark on purposeful and enduring innovation, above and beyond fleeting trends, Marvell is a place to thrive, learn, and lead. 

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 Fabric™ 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

The successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location and market conditions. The expected base pay range for this role may be modified based on market conditions.

Additional Compensation and Benefit Elements 

Marvell is committed to providing exceptional, comprehensive benefits that support our employees at every stage - from internship to retirement and through life’s most important moments. Our offerings are built around four key pillars: financial well-being, family support, mental and physical health, and recognition. Highlights include an employee stock purchase plan with a 2-year look back, family support programs to help balance work and home life, robust mental health resources to prioritize emotional well-being, and a recognition and service awards to celebrate contributions and milestones. We look forward to sharing more with you during the interview process.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Any applicant who requires a reasonable accommodation during the selection process should contact Marvell HR Helpdesk at [email protected].

Interview Integrity 

To support fair and authentic hiring practices, candidates are not permitted to use AI tools (such as transcription apps, real-time answer generators like ChatGPT or Copilot, or automated note-taking bots) during interviews.

These tools must not be used to record, assist with, or enhance responses in any way. Our interviews are designed to evaluate your individual experience, thought process, and communication skills in real time. Use of AI tools without prior instruction from the interviewer will result in disqualification from the hiring process.

This position may require access to technology and/or software subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, applicants must be eligible to access export-controlled information as defined under applicable law. Marvell may be required to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce and/or the U.S. Department of State. Except for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), all applicants may be subject to an export license review process prior to employment.

#LI-AR3