Principal Applications Engineer – Optical Interconnects — San Francisco

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 Marvell is at the center of the data infrastructure revolution, powering the backbone of cloud, AI, and high-performance computing. Our Optical DSP (ODSP) Applications Engineering team is responsible for bringing cutting-edge silicon solutions from first silicon through production deployment across next-generation optical modules and AI infrastructure platforms. The team works at the intersection of silicon, firmware, optics, and systems engineering, driving PHY and system-level validation, performance characterization, interoperability testing, and deployment readiness for industry-leading optical DSP solutions. You will collaborate closely with ASIC design, firmware, architecture, validation, and product engineering teams to ensure successful product qualification and deployment in some of the world's largest cloud and AI networks. This role offers extensive hands-on exposure to advanced PAM4 DSP technology, high-speed SerDes architectures, optical transceivers, and next-generation interconnect technologies. We welcome candidates from validation, system engineering, firmware, SerDes, or optical networking backgrounds who enjoy solving complex technical challenges through hands-on engineering and lab-based development. This is a highly technical, hands-on engineering role focused on silicon bring-up, system validation, performance optimization, and deployment readiness of Marvell's Optical DSP products. What You Can Expect • Debug complex issues spanning DSP algorithms, SerDes links, firmware, optics, signal integrity, and system interactions • Work closely with design, architecture, firmware, and product engineering teams to root-cause issues and implement robust solutions • Define and automate validation methodologies, test plans, and deployment qualification procedures • Support product readiness from engineering samples through production release and large-scale deployment • Perform hands-on lab work using high-speed measurement equipment including oscilloscopes, BERTs, VNAs, network analyzers, and optical test systems • Analyze system-level performance metrics and drive continuous improvements in link robustness, interoperability, and deployment reliability • Contribute to product feature development through detailed technical feedback derived from validation and deployment experiences   What We're Looking For • Strong understanding of DSP fundamentals, analog/mixed-signal systems, and high-speed SerDes architectures • Experience with silicon bring-up, system integration, or hardware validation of complex semiconductor products • Strong system-level debug skills with the ability to isolate issues across silicon, firmware, hardware, optics, and software domains • Extensive hands-on lab experience with TX/RX characterization and high-speed measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, BERTs, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, etc.) • Experience developing validation plans, executing test campaigns, and analyzing performance data • Proven track record of resolving complex technical issues through structured root-cause analysis • Familiarity with optical transceiver architectures, PAM4 modulation, FEC technologies, and Optical DSP systems • Experience with scripting and automation using Python, C/C++, or similar programming languages • Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration across cross-functional engineering teams • BS in Electrical Engineering with 8-12 years of experience, or MS/PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience Preferred • Experience with optical module validation and qualification • Knowledge of Ethernet, high-speed networking protocols • Familiarity with firmware development, lab automation, and manufacturing test methodologies • Experience supporting products through production release and deployment qualification • Understanding of signal integrity, equalization techniques, clock recovery, and high-speed link optimization Expected Base Pay Range (USD) 154,680 - 231,700, $ 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. 
This role is eligible to participate in Marvell's bonus and equity plans, including a new hire equity grant and annual equity refreshers, ensuring you are rewarded for your contributions and remain invested in the company's long-term success.
 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 TAOps@marvell.com . 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-TT1