Distinguished Network Engineer

Non-CA Pay Range (Annual):

$210,000.00 - $390,000.00

At Infinera, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. Your actual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. This role may be eligible for equity grants, discretionary bonuses, or commission payments. The amount of these incentives is based on the terms of the Company’s incentive plans, the Company’s financial performance, and/or individual employee job performance.

Infinera also offers paid leave, medical, 

dental, and vision coverage, 401(k),

life, and disability insurance to

eligible employees.

Team: Office of the CTO 

Location: USA or Remote 

 

We’re seeking a world-class innovative leader to define architectural vision for next-generation multi-layer systems and networks, combining optics, IP, automation, AI-driven applications and architectures for hyperscalers, service providers, and enterprise customers 

 

You will drive innovation across network layers and technologies ensuring product lines remains at the technological forefront. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Define technology roadmap ensuring transformative system / network architectures spanning ‘x’PON, coherent optics, transport, packet and automation 

• Shape strategic roadmap for intelligent multi-layer networks—integrated in silicon, optics, and programmable control planes  

• Drive automation & closed-loop operations, including intention-based routing and hybrid IP/optical infrastructure. 

• Collaborate with hyperscaler and service provider customers to align product features with real-world deployment needs 

• Lead in the AI era from applications to network architectures   

• Evangelize AI networking advantages / impacts to enterprise, hyperscalers, and service providers   

• Gain industry mindshare, publish in leading conferences, represent the company in standards bodies, and foster R&D and academic partnerships 

• Partner / Mentor team as well as cross organizations in R&D, PLM, Marketing, Services and Sales ensuring company success 

 

Required Qualifications 

• 15+ years in optical systems architecture, routed optical networks, and multi-layer convergence. 

• Strong background in coherent optics, IP/WDM integration, and network automation. 

• Technical leadership in architecting scalable, programmable transport networks. 

• Excellent communication skills—comfortable in boardroom, customer engineering, and global forums. 

• Track record in publications, patents, and industry influence. 

 

“This position requires direct or indirect access to certain confidential information, hardware, software, technology, or technical information (referred to here as “Export-Controlled Information”) controlled under the U.S