Optical Engineer, APAC

Nscale

Nscale is taking on the hyperscalers by building a vertically integrated cloud built for AI. We own the data centres, software, and applications that power today’s AI stack using sustainable technology solutions. We thrive on a culture of relentless innovation, ownership, and accountability, where every team member takes pride in their work and drives it with excellence and urgency.

As a Nscaler, you’ll build trust through openness and transparency, where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Collaboration is key, and we work together swiftly and respectfully, embracing adaptability and resilience in all we do.

About the Role

We are hiring an Optical Engineer to design, deploy, and maintain Nscale’s high-capacity optical fibre and wavelength network infrastructure across our APAC data centre portfolio. Based in Singapore, this is a hands-on technical role working at the intersection of physical network infrastructure and hyperscale connectivity.

You will ensure Nscale’s optical layer meets the highest standards of performance, reliability, and scalability, collaborating closely with network architects, colocation teams, and external carriers across the region.

This role reports to the APAC Head of Network Infrastructure and is based in Singapore, with up to 30% travel across the APAC region.

What you’ll be doing

Network Design & Architecture

• Design and engineer optical transport networks (OTN), DWDM, and passive optical infrastructure for new and existing Nscale APAC data centres.
• Develop detailed network designs, fibre route plans, and cable management documentation using industry-standard tools.
• Evaluate and recommend optical technologies, vendors, and solutions to support capacity growth and technology evolution.
• Participate in data centre design reviews to ensure optical infrastructure requirements are incorporated from initial planning stages.

Deployment & Commissioning

• Lead and oversee the installation, splicing, and termination of single-mode and multi-mode optical fibre within and between data centres.
• Commission and test DWDM platforms, optical amplifiers, ROADMs, and transponders, ensuring all equipment meets design specifications.
• Conduct OTDR testing, optical power budget analysis, and end-to-end circuit verification.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and carrier partners during physical and logical optical turn-up activities.

Operations & Maintenance

• Monitor optical network performance using NMS and OSS tools, proactively identifying and resolving degradation or faults.
• Respond to and lead the resolution of optical layer incidents, including fibre cuts, equipment failures, and capacity events.
• Maintain accurate asset and documentation records, including as-built drawings, fibre databases, and equipment inventories.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and capacity audits across the optical network estate.

Carrier & Vendor Management

• Manage technical relationships with fibre carriers, co-location partners, and equipment vendors across Singapore, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and other APAC markets.
• Review and negotiate technical aspects of IRU agreements, capacity contracts, and SLAs.
• Coordinate dark fibre and wavelength procurement activities in alignment with capacity planning requirements.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Research and evaluate emerging optical networking technologies including coherent optics, space-division multiplexing, and 400G/800G ZR+ solutions.
• Develop and maintain internal standards, build guides, and operational procedures for optical infrastructure.
• Contribute to Nscale’s wider network infrastructure roadmap and support pre-sales and customer engagement activities as required.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in optical networking engineering, with direct experience deploying and operating DWDM and fibre infrastructure.
• Deep working knowledge of optical transport technologies including OTN, DWDM, ROADM, and coherent optics (100G, 200G, 400G).
• Proficiency in optical test equipment including OTDRs, optical spectrum analysers, and optical power meters.
• Experience with data centre environments, including intra-DC and DCI optical architectures.
• Strong understanding of optical link budgets, dispersion management, and amplification design.
• Familiarity with fibre management systems and network management software.
• Experience working with hyperscale or colocation data centre operators is advantageous.
• Knowledge of APAC carrier ecosystems, subsea cable systems, and regional IX landscapes is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with vendor platforms such as Ciena, Infinera, Nokia, or Fujitsu preferred.
• Exposure to automation and programmability in optical networking (e.g., OpenConfig, YANG, NETCONF) is beneficial.
• Bilingual language skills (Mandarin or Japanese) strongly preferred to support the local APAC team.

What we can offer you

At Nscale, you’ll find a collaborative, supportive, and innovative environment where your contributions spark real impact. We’re building something extraordinary, and we want you at the core.
Highly competitive compensation package (base + bonus + equity), with performance reviews every 12 months. 🚀
Join one of the fastest-growing AI infrastructure companies — your chance to directly shape how global AI capacity is planned and deployed across APAC. ✨
Expect a dynamic progression plan tailored to your ambitions. Grow by leading critical cross-functional infrastructure initiatives — always with our full support.
Human-First Flexibility: We treat you as humans first. Our flexible workplace trusts Nscalers to deliver, giving you the autonomy to shape your day around life’s moments.

Equal Opportunities Statement

We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, parents, carers, and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
If there’s anything we can do to accommodate your specific situation, please let us know.
The responsibilities outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and are intended to provide a general overview of the position. The employee may be required to perform additional duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned by management, consistent with the skills and qualifications required for the role.

For information on how Nscale handles candidate personal data, please see our Employee & Candidate Privacy Notice: Here.