Optics Engineer

Introduction

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

Job 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 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

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and 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, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.