Infrastructure & Technology Optics Engineer Professional POUGHKEEPSIE, US

The IBM Infrastructure team has an opening for an Optical Engineer specializing in fiber optics design, physics, interconnect, implementation, and integration into subsystems. The individual who is awarded this position will have the opportunity to work as part of a cross‑functional team that characterizes and integrates industry standard optics hardware into IBM Systems hardware. This position requires a self‑motivated and autonomous individual who is comfortable with engaging Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal, and Firmware disciplines as needed to solve complex, multi‑faceted system integration challenges. The responsibilities of this role include working closely with the I/O Hardware Architect to assess vendor optics technology, compatibility, and capability to work within future IBM products as well as leading data center connectivity research, development, and solutions within IBM. This person will also support Supply Chain Engineering and Procurement teams in overall optic technology strategy, supplier and technology selection, roadmap reviews, system application testing, and field/manufacturing related quality management. This role requires working closely with experts in Signal Integrity, Power Distribution, EMC / EMI, Thermal, and Mechanical engineering to solution IBM offerings. The engineer in this role will drive and facilitate the specification, qualification, characterization, and verification of optical technologies, lead the optics related bring‑up and failure analysis activities, and actively research the state‑of‑the‑art optical technologies and industry trends with a focus on low cost, high‑performance, supply chain resilient, Your Role and Responsibilities Lead the qualification, verification, and integration of optical technologies into IBM Z Systems Develop the optical technology roadmap for next generation IBM Z Systems offerings Lead an optics focused team of test engineers and lab technicians in a state‑of‑the‑art optics lab through device qualification, characterization, and debug Manage critical failure analysis efforts related to optical technology and complementary hardware Work with optics and adapter vendors on new technology, quality improvement, and failure analysis Perform data analysis to identify relevant optical behavioral patterns in manufacturing and in field Lead optical modeling efforts with Signal Integrity teams and calculate link budgets Co‑Lead a data center connectivity workgroup focused on industry trends and client solutions Stay current with emerging optical technologies and industry trends Required Education Bachelor's Degree Preferred Education Master's Degree Required Technical and Professional Expertise Bachelor of Science or Masters Degree in Optical Engineering, Photonic Engineering, or Electrical Engineering Prior industry or educational experience implementing optical technologies through research or product design Preferred Technical and Professional Experience Lab experience with optics, vendor management skills, leadership skills, time management skills, people skills, project management skills, data analysis, Python, optic simulation Benefits Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long‑term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI‑driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry‑recognized certifications to achieve their career goals Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences IBM is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status. IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship. The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full‑time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job‑related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro‑rated for those who start working during the calendar year. Some travel may be required based on business demand. Job ID: 118797 Date posted: 09-Jun-2026 POUGHKEEPSIE, New York, United States Onsite Infrastructure & Technology Regular Regular $108,000.00 to $202,000.00 per year Professional Company: (0147) International Business Machines Corporation Shift: General (daytime) #J-18808-Ljbffr