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# Principal Systems Engineer

- **Company:** MaxLinear, Inc.
- **Location:** Carlsbad, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $155,000.0 - $193,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Artificial Intelligence, Data Centers, Software Debugging, Performance Tuning, Signal Integrity, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Visual Systems, AI Infrastructure, High Performance Computing, Generative AI
- **Published:** September 7, 2026
- **Apply:** https://careersus-maxlinear.icims.com/jobs/2949/principal-systems-engineer/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in_iframe=1&hashed=-1834446046

## About the Role

* Extensive knowledge of optical-electrical systems, high-speed interfaces, and system integration is required
 * Proven experience with optical modules, AECs, or data center solutions
 * Deep understanding of optical system impairments and mitigation techniques (BER, OSNR, signal integrity)
 * Hands-on experience with system-level debug, validation, and performance tuning
 * Familiarity with high-speed PCB design and CAD tools
 * Exposure to system architecture of optical transceivers and baseband DSP systems
 * Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
 * Knowledge of DSP algorithms and modulation techniques
 * BS in Electrical Engineering or related + 9 years of experience, or MS + 7 years of experience, or Ph.D. + 4 years of experience, The actual starting base salary will be determined by the match to certain role-related criteria such as educational degree(s) or equivalent, relevant work experience, skillset needed for the role, and geographic location; this is not an all-inclusive list as some roles may require unique skills or experience.

## Description

MaxLinear is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will focus on the following:

 * Leading cross-functional debug and validation efforts for optical modules, Active Electrical Cables (AECs), and solutions for data center applications, including emerging workloads such as Generative Artificial Intelligence
 * System-level troubleshooting, performance optimization, and ensuring products meet internal design goals and industry standards
 * Lead system-level debug and validation of optical modules and AECs across design, hardware, and systems teams supporting data center and AI infrastructure
 * Architect and analyze optical systems, ensuring compatibility and performance across internal platforms and test environments for high-bandwidth, low-latency applications
 * Drive root-cause analysis and resolution of complex issues during bring-up, validation, and production phases
 * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical challenges and deliver robust solutions for next-generation data center deployments
 * Support development and validation of reference designs and test platforms for optical products used in AI and cloud-scale environments
 * Provide feedback to internal teams on design improvements, validation coverage, and field performance in high-performance computing and AI workloads


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