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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Hardware Engineer - DSP - **Company:** EFFECT PHOTONICS INC. - **Location:** United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Software Debugging, Firmware, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Design, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Signal Processing, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Integration, Visual Systems, Application Specific Integrated Circuits - **Published:** May 21, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=1bfafd38179c6ba1 ## About the Role Do you have experience in Telecommunications systems?, * 10+ years of experience in DSP development, hardware signal processing, or related fields. * Expertise in coherent DSP, optical DSP, or high-performance communication with DSP algorithms. * Strong background in: o Modulation/demodulation techniques o Equalization, FEC, timing recovery, phase recovery o Adaptive filtering and MIMO processing * Experience developing DSP simulations in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar. * Experience validating DSP behavior in hardware or FPGA/ASIC implementations. * Strong understanding of high-speed communication systems; optical experience is a plus. * Proven ability to lead complex system debug efforts and drive cross-functional collaboration. * Excellent communication skills and the ability to clearly explain technical concepts. Nice to Have * Knowledge of coherent optics, fiber impairments, or optical communication systems. * Experience with pluggable modules, OIF/MSA standards, or high-speed SerDes. * Familiarity with hardware lab equipment (oscilloscopes, analyzers, BERT, etc.). ## Description About the Role As a Principal Hardware Engineer, Signal Processing, you will lead the design, analysis, and validation of advanced digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms and hardware architectures used in our next generation coherent and optical DSP-enabled products. You will be responsible for developing DSP algorithmic models, optimizing signal chains, validating performance in hardware, and ensuring robust system behavior across diverse operating conditions. This position plays a critical role in defining DSP requirements, guiding hardware implementation, and driving cross-functional design decisions that directly impact product performance and reliability. You will collaborate effectively with hardware, FPGA/ASIC, firmware, optical systems, and software engineering teams to deliver high-performance, production-ready DSP solutions. Note: Optical domain experience is not required for this role, but exposure to optical communications or coherent optics is beneficial. Responsibilities: DSP Development & Hardware Integration * Architect, model, and simulate DSP algorithms for coherent and optical DSP systems. * Define DSP hardware requirements and collaborate with ASIC/FPGA teams on implementation. * Optimize DSP performance across noise, nonlinearity, phase impairments, and channel conditions. * Develop end-to-end signal chains and system models (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C/C++). * Validate DSP functional performance in lab hardware and system prototypes. System-Level Analysis & Validation * Lead system bring-up, characterization, and debug for DSP-enabled hardware modules. * Perform performance validation, stability testing, and corner-case analysis. * Develop automated test frameworks and analysis tools using Python for DSP verification. * Collaborate with firmware teams to ensure correct hardware/DSP interaction. Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis * Lead deep-dive investigations into complex signal impairments and system anomalies. * Identify root-cause issues across the signal chain (DSP, hardware, firmware, or integration). * Provide guidance to cross-functional teams during escalations and system debug cycles. Product Development & Technical Leadership * Contribute to product definitions, architecture reviews, and system requirement documents. * Provide technical oversight across DSP design, hardware architecture, and system integration. * Mentor junior engineers and provide direction when group coordination is required. * Present findings, technical recommendations, and design tradeoffs to internal stakeholders. ## Related Videos - [Strange New Worlds: shaping the future of the digital age](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/677-strange-new-worlds-shaping-the-future-of-the-digital-age) - [Solving Architectural Entropy With Runnable Diagrams](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100144-solving-architectural-entropy-with-runnable-diagrams) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Software stack under and over the hood of the fastest accelerating car in the world](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/221-software-stack-under-and-over-the-hood-of-the-fastest-accelerating-car-in-the-world) - [Exploring the Potential of Decentraland](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/583-exploring-the-potential-of-decentraland) ## Related Articles - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [Dev Digest 129 - Now that's what I call private data!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/468-dev-digest-129-now-that-s-what-i-call-private-data)