R&D Systems Engineer – Optical Communications

Position Summary

We are seeking an R&D Systems Engineer to join an innovative engineering team developing advanced electro-optical technologies for next-generation communication applications.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and executing validation activities to characterize the performance of high-speed electro-optical devices throughout the product development lifecycle. This role requires a hands-on engineer who can develop meaningful test methodologies, evaluate device performance under realistic operating conditions, and identify potential integration risks before deployment into larger communication systems.

Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will investigate device behavior, analyze performance limitations, and provide data-driven recommendations to improve product performance, manufacturability, and reliability. Success in this role requires a strong understanding of telecom transmission principles, high-speed measurements, and a systems-level approach to problem solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans to verify functionality, performance, robustness, and interoperability.

• Define and implement system-level validation strategies for high-speed communication products.

• Design innovative test methodologies to evaluate product performance under realistic operating conditions.

• Build and configure laboratory test environments representative of end-user applications.

• Evaluate system performance before and after integration into complete communication platforms.

• Analyze measurement results, identify performance limitations, and perform root-cause investigations.

• Recommend product and system improvements based on validation findings.

• Develop automated test procedures to improve repeatability, efficiency, and data quality.

• Produce clear technical documentation, including test methodologies, results, and recommendations.

• Support investigation of field issues by replicating customer environments and validating corrective actions where required.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or a related discipline.

• 3-8 years of experience in telecom system validation, R&D testing of electro-optical devices, or communication systems engineering.

• Strong understanding of digital communication systems and telecom architectures.

• Experience testing complex electronic, photonic, or communication products at the system level.

• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment such as:

  • Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)

  • High-speed Oscilloscopes

  • Bit Error Rate Testers (BERT)

  • Spectrum Analyzers

  • Signal Generators

  • Optical and/or RF measurement equipment

• Experience developing and executing structured test plans.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause investigation skills.

• Experience with Python, LabVIEW, TestStand, MATLAB, or similar tools for test automation and data analysis.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate within cross-functional, international teams.

• Fluent in English.

• Willingness to travel when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with coherent or high-speed communication systems.

• Knowledge of modulation techniques and signal integrity.

• Understanding of transceiver architectures and subsystem interactions.

• Familiarity with telecom standards and communication protocols.

• Experience with interoperability and integration testing.

• Exposure to automated test frameworks and continuous validation methodologies.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for an engineer who is naturally curious and enjoys understanding how complex communication systems perform in real-world environments.

The ideal candidate doesn’t simply execute predefined test procedures but actively asks:

• What could fail when this product is integrated into a larger system?

• Which operating conditions have not yet been explored?

• How can potential issues be identified before deployment?

This role is ideal for someone with a strong analytical mindset, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for developing robust, reliable products through thorough system-level validation.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Sindi Ngubane