DSP Algorithms Engineer - System Level Testing (Coherent Optical)

DSP Algorithms Engineer - System Level Testing (Coherent Optical) Location: Austin, TX (On-site, 5 days/week - Mandatory) Employment Type: Full-time Visa Status: H1-B Sponsorship Available | USC / GC Welcome Interview Process: 3 Rounds | ~2 Weeks Relocation: Depends Equity: Yes (discussed post-selection) Role Overview We are seeking a senior-level DSP Algorithms Engineer to own system-level performance verification of advanced coherent optical DSP prior to silicon tape-out. This is a problem-centric, high-impact individual contributor role focused on breaking designs before it is too late to fix them. The engineer will act as the final technical line of defense against latent algorithmic and system-level issues by stressing DSP designs under realistic and worst-case optical scenarios. This role is not tool-driven, not QA-focused, and not a ramp-up position-it requires deep, hands-on optical DSP expertise from day one. Key Responsibilities System-Level DSP Verification & Stress TestingOwn end-to-end system-level performance verification across the Tx → fiber → Rx signal chain.Design and execute aggressive stress tests, corner cases, and adversarial scenarios to expose algorithmic weaknesses prior to tape-out.Focus on robustness validation and bug discovery, not basic functional or feature validation. Optical Channel & Impairment ModelingBuild and maintain realistic optical channel models, including fiber propagation effects and physical impairments.Model impairments such as dispersion, non-linearities, noise, and laser-related effects.Translate real-world optical behavior into actionable system-level test scenarios.Continuously refine models to reflect worst-case and edge-case deployment conditions. Algorithm-Aware VerificationLeverage deep DSP algorithm knowledge to intentionally attack known weak points.Collaborate closely with DSP algorithm designers to:Define performance metrics, acceptance criteria, and failure thresholdsInterpret failures in the context of algorithmic intent and system trade-offsDrive root-cause analysis and corrective action recommendations Frameworks, Automation & AnalysisDevelop and maintain flexible system-level test frameworks (MATLAB, C/C++, Python, SystemC, or equivalent).Automate regression testing and performance analysis to enable rapid iteration.Produce clear documentation covering:Test methodology and assumptionsCoverage gapsPerformance trends and risk areas Ownership & AutonomyOperate as a self-directed individual contributor within a globally distributed team.Serve as a domain expert, contributing deep technical knowledge rather than learning fundamentals on the job. Minimum Qualifications (Must-Haves)Deep expertise in coherent optical communications DSP, with hands-on experience in real optical systems (expertise, not exposure).Proven background in DSP algorithm development and system-level verification, preferably in pre-silicon environments.Strong understanding of:Optical fiber channel behavior and physical impairmentsCoherent receiver architectures and DSP signal processing chainsExtensive experience with DSP simulation and modeling using:MATLAB, C/C++, Python, SystemC, or equivalentAbility to independently define, execute, and interpret complex verification strategies.Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field (degree level secondary to demonstrated expertise).Experience in commercial/industrial environments (not purely academic research).Ability to work on-site in Austin, TX five days a week (mandatory). Preferred Qualifications (Nice-to-Haves)RTL-level understanding or familiarity with hardware implementation flows.Experience with analog front-end (AFE) behavior and DSP interaction.Exposure to:Fixed-point modelingASIC / DSP implementation considerationsFEC schemes (LDPC, RS, OFEC)Mixed-signal effects such as jitter, PLL, and CDR behavior #DSPAlgorithms #OpticalDSP #CoherentOptics #OpticalCommunications #SystemLevelVerification #PreSiliconVerification #SignalProcessing #FiberOptics #OpticalChannelModeling #CoherentReceiver #DSPEngineering #ASICDesign #HardwareAwareDSP #OpticalSystems #TelecomEngineering #SemiconductorJobs #AustinTXJobs #OnsiteJobs #H1BSponsorship #HighImpactRole