Engineer Datacom Infrastructure
Engineer – Datacom Infrastructure & Network Synchronization
About the Role
A deep-tech company developing next-generation photonic timing and synchronization technologies for AI and high-performance computing data centers is looking for an Expert Engineer in Datacom Infrastructure & Network Synchronization.
The company is developing an advanced optical approach to timing and synchronization designed to address the limitations of conventional electronic synchronization architectures. The technology aims to enable ultra-low-jitter, low-power timing generation and distribution, providing a potential alternative to conventional oscillators, PLLs, retimers and Clock Data Recovery (CDR) architectures.
This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of datacom infrastructure, high-speed networking, Ser
Des, synchronization and photonics, helping shape how next-generation data center architectures are designed.
Main Mission
You will play a key role in the system-level integration of next-generation photonic timing technology into high-speed datacom systems.
You will define and evaluate architectural pathways through which photonic timing and synchronization can complement or replace conventional electronic timing elements within next-generation electrical/optical switches and Top-of-Rack (To
R) devices.
Your expertise in datacom infrastructure will be critical to ensuring interoperability with switch fabrics, Ser
Des/PHY architectures and optical control planes used in AI and high-performance data centers.
You will also contribute to product architecture, technical specifications and technology adoption strategies.
Key Responsibilities
Define and refine integration strategies for photonic timing solutions within switches, To
R devices and high-speed networking equipment.
Design synchronization architectures where optical timing becomes a native reference across racks, switches and servers.
Analyse Ser
Des and PHY requirements to ensure interoperability between photonic timing solutions and next-generation ASICs and switch fabrics.
Develop optical and hybrid timing architectures supporting phase alignment and low-jitter operation.
Evaluate the impact of synchronization architectures on BER, PAM4/NRZ signaling, jitter tolerance, eye diagrams and overall link stability.
Assess interoperability with existing timing and synchronization standards, including Ethernet, PTP, Sync
E and White Rabbit.
Define potential migration paths from conventional electronic synchronization toward next-generation optical timing architectures.
Contribute to product specifications, including interfaces, packaging and system integration constraints.
Collaborate with hyperscalers, switch vendors and technology partners to validate solutions in data-center-like environments.
Contribute to technology roadmaps and system-level architectural decisions.
Candidate Profile
Education & Experience
MSc or Ph
D in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Network Engineering, Photonics, RF/Microwave Engineering or a related field.5-10+ years of experience in datacom infrastructure, data center networking, switches, Ser
Des/PHY, synchronization systems, timing circuits or high-speed link design.
Strong practical understanding of electronic oscillators, PLLs, retimers, CDRs and high-speed synchronization architectures.
Experience working with high-speed electrical and/or optical communication systems.
Technical Skills
Ideally, you will have:Deep understanding of datacom synchronization architectures, including To
R systems, switches, Ser
Des and PHYs.
Strong knowledge of electronic timing architectures such as VCOs, PLLs, CDRs and retimers, including their limitations at high data rates.
Expertise in phase noise, jitter, frequency stability and clock distribution.
Experience with BER testing, PAM4/NRZ modulation, FEC, eye diagrams and signal integrity.
Understanding of high-speed optical/electrical links and their system-level interactions.
Familiarity with optical devices, PICs, CW lasers, fiber links and optical modulation.
Experience with FPGA-based testing, RF instrumentation or photonic characterization is advantageous.
Strong system-level analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work across hardware, photonics, networking and system architecture teams.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with external technology partners and customers.
Why Join?
Work on next-generation synchronization technology for AI and HPC data centers.
Influence the architecture of future high-speed optical and electrical networks.
Collaborate with experts across photonics, networking, high-speed electronics and system architecture.
High level of technical ownership and influence over product direction.
Opportunity to work on a technology with significant potential impact on data-center performance and energy efficiency.
Location: France
Employment: Full-time
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Sindi Ngubane