Vice President of Engineering - Optical Circuit Switch (OCS)

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

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

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in engineering leadership roles
  • Proven track record in optical design and photonics
  • Experience with ASIC and control electronics development
  • Strong background in firmware and system software management
  • Expertise in mechanical and packaging engineering
  • Knowledge of design for manufacturability (DFM) and reliability engineering practices
  • Ability to foster innovation within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute the strategic technology roadmap for OCS
  • Lead the design and development of large-scale optical systems
  • Build and manage a global, multifaceted engineering team
  • Guide OCS product lifecycle from concept through to production
  • Collaborate with hyperscale customers to understand and translate their needs
  • Drive innovation in optical switching technologies and related IP
  • Ensure operational excellence in manufacturing processes.

Benefits

  • Flexible work environment with remote options
  • Opportunities for international collaboration
  • Access to continuous professional development
  • Innovative work culture that promotes creativity
  • Support for a healthy work-life balance.
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 through prototype, qualification, and high-volume production
• Engage with hyperscale customers and ecosystem partners
• Ensure manufacturing scalability and operational excellence

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

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
  • Establish best practices in design for manufacturability (DFM), test, and reliability engineering
  • Foster a culture of innovation and execution


Education & Experience
  • PhD preferred, or MS with 15+ years of highly technical experience, including optical, networking, transceivers, firmware, software.


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.

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