Coherent

Vice President of Engineering - Optical Circuit Switch (OCS)

Coherent$200K — $250K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in multi-disciplinary engineering leadership
  • Strong background in photonics/optical design, ASIC/control electronics, and firmware/system software
  • Proven track record in developing products from concept to high-volume production
  • Experience with design for manufacturability (DFM) and reliability engineering practices
  • Familiarity with hyperscale customer needs in cloud and AI infrastructure

Responsibilities

  • Define and advance the OCS technology and product roadmap
  • Lead the design of large-scale optical systems
  • Build and manage a global, multi-disciplinary engineering team
  • Guide the transition of OCS platforms from concept to market-ready products
  • Engage with hyperscale customers and technology partners
  • Drive innovation in optical switching technologies and IP strategy
  • Ensure scalable manufacturing and operational excellence

Benefits

  • Flexible working conditions
  • Collaborative work environment
  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Engagement with leading-edge technology and innovations in optics
  • Participate in a culture that values innovation and execution
Full Job Description
Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
• Define and drive the OCS technology and product roadmap
• Lead system-level design of large-scale optical fabrics
• Build and lead a multi-disciplinary engineering organization in different countries and different locations.
• Deliver OCS platforms from concept to production
• Engage with hyperscale customers and ecosystem partners
• Drive innovation and IP strategy
• Ensure manufacturing scalability and operational excellence

Education & Experience
  • Build and lead a world-class, multi-disciplinary engineering organization across:
  • Photonics / optical design
  • ASIC / control electronics
  • Firmware and system software
  • Mechanical and packaging engineering
  • Deliver OCS platforms from concept through prototype, qualification, and high-volume production.
  • Establish best practices in design for manufacturability (DFM), test, and reliability engineering.
  • Foster a culture of innovation and execution.

Skills

Engineering Execution
  • Build and lead a world-class, multi-disciplinary engineering organization across:
  • Photonics / optical design
  • ASIC / control electronics
  • Firmware and system software
  • Mechanical and packaging engineering
  • Deliver OCS platforms from concept through prototype, qualification, and high-volume production.
  • Establish best practices in design for manufacturability (DFM), test, and reliability engineering.
  • Foster a culture of innovation and execution.

Customer & Ecosystem Engagement
  • Serve as the primary technical executive interface to hyperscale customers (e.g., cloud and AI infrastructure providers).
  • Translate system-level requirements (e.g., topology, bandwidth scaling, reconfiguration time) into product specifications.
  • Collaborate with partners across the ecosystem (optics, fiber, packaging, and system vendors).

Innovation & Differentiation
  • Drive innovation in:
    • High-radix and high density OCS architectures
    • Low-loss optical paths and packaging
    • Fast and scalable switching control planes
  • Build and manage IP strategy and patent portfolio in optical switching technologies.

Physical Requirements
  • Minimal physical activity: There is little to no need for heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or manual labor.
  • Computer use: Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse for communication, project management, and collaboration tools.
  • Travel: Some travel may be required for client meetings, conferences, or site visits, but this is not a core part of the job.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

About Coherent

Coherent, Inc. is a global leader in providing laser-based solutions to a broad range of commercial and scientific research customers. The company designs, manufactures, and markets lasers, laser-based systems, precision optics, and related accessories for a diverse group of customers. Coherent's markets include scientific research, OEM components and instrumentation, microelectronics, materials processing, and life sciences. The company's products are used in a wide range of applications. Coherent was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Learn more about Coherent
Size
5,085 employees
Market Cap
$4.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$419.7 million
Founded
1966
5 Year Trend
+27.8%
Revenue
$1.2 billion
NASDAQ

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