DSP Algorithms Engineer System Level Testing
4 months ago
Austin
Job DescriptionExperience: 10 - 15 YearsLocation: Austin, TexasMandatory Requirement: Deep expertise in coherent optical communications DSP, with hands-on experience in real optical systems (expertisenot exposure). Proven background in DSP algorithm development and system-level verification, ideally in pre-silicon contexts. Strong understanding of: o Optical fiber channel behavior and physical impairments o Coherent receiver architectures and signal processing chains Extensive experience with DSP simulation and modeling, using MATLAB, C/C++, Python, SystemC, or equivalent. Ability to independently define, execute, and interpret complex verification strategies. Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field; degree level is secondary to demonstrated expertise and industrial experience. Experience working in commercial/industrial environments, not purely academic research. On-site in Austin, TX, five days a week is a MUSTDSP Algorithms Engineer (System Level Testing) We are seeking asenior-level DSP Algorithms Engineerto ownsystem-level performance verificationof advancedcoherent optical DSPprior to silicon tape-out. This role isnot tool-centric, butproblem-centric: the primary objective is tostress, challenge, and break the DSP designin realistic and worst-case optical scenariosbeforeit is too late to fix. You will act as thefinal technical line of defenseagainst latent algorithmic and system-level issues, requiring deep understanding ofDSP algorithms, optical channel physics, and coherent receiver behavior. This is a highly impactful individual contributor role with significant autonomy. Key Responsibilities * System-Level DSP Verification Stress Testing * Design and executesystem-level performance verificationfor coherent optical DSP across the full signal chain (Tx fiber Rx). * Developaggressive stress tests, corner cases, and adversarial scenariosaimed at exposing algorithmic weaknesses prior to tape-out, when fixes are still possible. * Focus onbug discovery and robustness validation, not feature validation or basic functional testing. Optical Channel Impairment Modeling * Build and maintainrealistic optical channel models, capturing fiber propagation effects and physical impairments (e.g., dispersion, non-linearities, noise, laser impairments). * Translate real-world optical behavior intoactionable system-level test scenarios, distinct from wireless channel modeling approaches. * Continuously refine models to reflect worst-case and edge-case deployment conditions. Algorithm-Aware Verification * Leverage deep DSP algorithm knowledge toattack weak points intentionally, rather than relying on generic or template-based test methodologies. * Work closely with DSP algorithm designers to: * Defineperformance metrics, acceptance criteria, and failure thresholds * Interpret failures in the context of algorithmic intent and system trade-offs * Drive root-cause analysis and corrective action recommendations. Frameworks, Automation Analysis * Develop and maintainflexible system-level test frameworks, using tools such as MATLAB, C/C++, Python, or equivalent (tool choice is secondary to outcome). * Automate regression testing and performance analysis to enable rapid iteration. * Produceclear documentationdescribing test methodology, assumptions, coverage gaps, and performance trends. Ownership Autonomy * Operate as aself-directed individual contributor, particularly in a geographically distributed team environment (Austin-based role with primary DSP team in Israel). * Serve as adomain expert, contributing knowledge rather than learning core optical fundamentals on the job. Minimum Qualifications * Deep expertise in coherent optical communications DSP, with hands-on experience in real optical systems (expertisenot exposure). * Proven background inDSP algorithm development and system-level verification, ideally in pre-silicon contexts. * Strong understanding of: * Optical fiber channel behavior and physical impairments * Coherent receiver architectures and signal processing chains * Extensive experience withDSP simulation and modeling, using MATLAB, C/C++, Python, SystemC, or equivalent. * Ability toindependently define, execute, and interpret complex verification strategies. * Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field;degree level is secondary to demonstrated expertise and industrial experience. * Experience working incommercial/industrial environments, not purely academic research. Preferred Qualifications * Experience withRTL-level understanding or hardware implementation flows, enabling tighter alignment between algorithm behavior and silicon realities. * Familiarity withanalog front-end (AFE) behaviorand its interaction with DSP algorithms. * Exposure to: * Fixed-point modeling * ASIC/DSP implementation considerations * FEC schemes (LDPC, RS, OFEC) * Mixed-signal effects such as jitter, PLL/CDR behavior * Prior experience in companies with strong optical DSP pedigree