Senior Technical Recruiter – Optical Networks R&D

Come create the technology that helps the world act together.

Nokia is committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. Your career here will have a positive impact on people’s lives and help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.

We foster an inclusive way of working where we are open to new ideas, empowered to take risks, and encouraged to bring our authentic selves to work.

The Team You’ll Be Part Of

You will join the Network Infrastructure Talent Acquisition team, supporting Optical Networks R&D and Product Engineering organizations based in Silicon Valley.

This role is critical to scaling and sustaining Nokia’s technology leadership in optical systems, including coherent optics, silicon photonics, advanced ASIC/DSP design, and full system integration. You will partner closely with senior engineering leaders, architects, and hiring managers to deliver high‑impact, hard‑to‑find technical talent.

Working onsite with our team you will spend 3-4 days per week across our key locations in Sunnyvale & San Jose - interacting directly with our key engineering & manufacturing groups. 

What You Will Learn and Contribute To

As a Senior Technical Recruiter, you will operate with a high degree of ownership and influence, acting as a trusted advisor to the business and a domain expert in optical networking recruitment.

You will:

• Lead end‑to‑end recruitment for senior, principal, and architect‑level roles across Optical Networks R&D.
• Shape and execute proactive talent strategies in a highly competitive Silicon Valley market.
• Influence hiring decisions through deep understanding of technology, market intelligence, and candidate assessment. 

End‑to‑End Technical Recruitment

• Own full‑cycle recruitment for complex R&D roles, including:  
  • Optical systems engineering
  • Coherent transceivers and modules
  • ASIC and DSP design and verification
  • Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC)
  • Firmware, embedded software, and systems integration
• Deliver consistently high hiring‑manager and candidate experience.

Technical & Market Expertise

• Demonstrate strong technical fluency across optical networking and hardware‑software co‑design.
• Translate complex requirements into compelling hiring strategies and candidate narratives.
• Provide real‑time market intelligence on competitor hiring, compensation trends, and talent availability.

Stakeholder Partnership

• Partner closely with Directors, Architects, and Senior Engineering Leaders.
• Challenge and influence role scope, leveling, and hiring plans to ensure successful outcomes.
• Act as a benchmark for recruiting best practices within the TA organization.

Proactive Talent Engagement

• Build and maintain deep talent pipelines from direct competitors and adjacent technology domains.
• Personally source and engage senior passive candidates.
• Represent Nokia at industry events, conferences, and targeted networking initiatives.

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Drive improvements in recruiting effectiveness, speed, and quality of hire.
• Mentor less‑experienced recruiters and contribute to capability building within the TA team.
• Ensure compliance with Nokia policies, local labor laws, and global TA standards. 

Required

• A solid track record of technical recruiting experience, with:  
  • Agency background first, followed by in‑house experience at a technology company.
• Proven experience recruiting within optical networking, photonics, or semiconductor‑adjacent domains.
• Hands‑on hiring experience for roles involving:  
  • Optical ASICs and DSPs
  • InP / Silicon photonics / PICs
  • Optical modules and systems integration
• Demonstrated success recruiting from direct competitors to Nokia in the Bay Area, North America & Internationally 
• Strong ability to operate in a fast‑paced, high‑competition Silicon Valley environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Prior experience supporting R&D or product‑driven organizations.
• Experience recruiting globally while being locally embedded onsite.
• Strong data‑driven mindset with ability to track and improve hiring outcomes.
• Comfortable working with senior leaders and highly specialized technical populations.