Company

As the world's leading developer and manufacturer of Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS) and Optical Channel Monitors for optical communications networks,Finisar has invented, built and exported over two billion dollars’ worth of WSS and related products out of our Sydney facility. We also design and manufacture a broad family of cutting-edge optical instrumentation products, all developed and built in Australia. 

Role Summary

We are seeking an Algorithm Software Engineer with strong foundations in physics, mathematics, and optics to design and implement advanced algorithms for optical communication systems. The role is part of the Embedded Engineering team and focuses on translating optical system behaviour into high-performance embedded software solutions.

You will work on next-generation WSS (Wavelength Selective Switch), OCM (Optical Channel Monitor), and related photonic platforms, bridging the gap between optical physics, mathematical modelling, and embedded software implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop algorithms for control, calibration, and optimisation of optical systems (WSS, OCM, and related platforms).

• Translate optical physics into mathematical models and implement them as software algorithms.

• Develop signal processing and optimisation algorithms for real-time embedded systems.

• Build and validate physics-based simulation models for optical components and system behaviour.

• Prototype algorithms using MATLAB, Python, or equivalent tools prior to embedded implementation.

• Implement efficient, production-ready embedded software in collaboration with firmware teams.

• Debug complex system issues across optical, electrical, and software domains using lab and test equipment.

• Analyse experimental data and refine algorithms to improve system performance and reliability.

• Collaborate with optical R&D, embedded engineering, and hardware teams to align system design and implementation.

• Participate in design reviews and contribute to technical problem-solving and system architecture decisions.

• Support customer engagement during design-in and requirement definition phases when required.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong academic or industry background in Software Engineering , Computer Sceience or Physics (Optics preferred).

• Strong mathematical capability including:

  • Linear algebra

  • Differential equations

  • Probability and statistics

  • Numerical methods and optimisation

• Experience in algorithm development for physical or embedded systems.

• Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, Python, or MATLAB.

• Understanding of embedded systems and real-time software constraints.

• Experience working with system modelling, simulation, and data analysis.

Desired Experience

• Knowledge of optical communication systems (WSS, OCM, ROADM architectures).

• Exposure to photonics, semiconductor optics, or signal processing applications.

• Experience debugging hardware-software integrated systems using test equipment.

• Familiarity with prototyping and iterative algorithm development workflows.

Key Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.

• Ability to translate physical system behaviour into computational models.

• Comfortable working across disciplines (optics, electronics, software).

• Practical, hands-on approach to experimentation and debugging.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills in cross-functional teams.

With a career at Finisar, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including: 

• Company and performance bonuses

• Relocation assistance

• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

• Learning and development opportunities to support your career interests

• Health and wellbeing support and access to our EAP program 

• Lunch time social/fitness activities  

• Novated Lease

If you are looking to work for a leader in a hi-tech industry with a down-to-earth yet professional environment, then this is the job for you!

Finisar Australia is a fully owned subsidiary of Coherent, a listed US company trading on NYSE under the symbol COHR.

The right to work in Australia is essential.