Leader of Advanced Photonics Technology Development

Lumentum; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading photonics technology company in Ottawa seeks a visionary leader for their Advanced Photonics Technology Development team. This role involves guiding strategic research efforts, driving innovative technology from concept to market, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate has a Master's degree and over 7 years of experience in photonics, including leadership in technology development. Strong communication skills and a deep understanding of cloud and telecom networks are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in photonics or related technologies.
• At least 2 years in a leadership role driving technology development.
• Proven track record of driving innovative technology from research to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Shape and evolve the strategic roadmap for photonics technologies.
• Lead ideation and development for novel photonic devices.
• Cultivate relationships with key research institutions.
• Transition emerging technologies into production.

Skills

Leadership in technology development

Understanding of cloud and telecom networks

Innovation in photonics

Cross-functional collaboration

Exceptional communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field

Job description

Overview

It\'s fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they\'re doing!

Lumentum Canada was awarded the 2022 National Capital Region’s Top Employers and the 2022 Career Directory Canada’s Best Employers for Recent Graduates.

Leader of Advanced Photonics Technology Development

We are looking for a dynamic and visionary leader to spearhead our Advanced Photonics Technology Development initiatives. This role is at the forefront of pioneering next-generation optical and photonic solutions, directly impacting the evolution of cloud and telecom networks. The ideal candidate will drive the exploration, evaluation, and advancement of disruptive photonics technologies—including Silicon Photonics (SiPh), cutting-edge switching engines, advanced optics, and integration components.

This role will require you to guide strategic research efforts, from ideation to commercialization, across cross-functional teams. You will be responsible for identifying emerging trends in photonics and aligning them with both short- and long-term product development goals, ensuring that innovation leads to scalable and manufacturable solutions.

The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and hands-on leadership to guide the successful transition of research breakthroughs into market-ready technologies, reinforcing our position as a leader in next-gen photonic technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Technology Strategy & Road mapping Shape and evolve the strategic roadmap for next-generation photonics technologies, aligning with overall business and product strategies.Identify, evaluate, and act on disruptive trends in photonics, including Silicon Photonics (SiPh), integrated optics, optoelectronics, co-packaged optics, AI-enabled photonics, and quantum optics, ensuring the company remains ahead of industry developments.
• Innovation & Research Leadership Lead and champion the ideation, development, and proof-of-concept efforts for novel photonic devices, subsystems, and integration platforms.Foster a culture of internal innovation, leveraging structured programs, collaborative exploration, and robust technology incubation pipelines.
• Cross-functional Collaboration Partner closely with product management, systems engineering, design, and manufacturing teams to transition emerging technologies into production and commercialization.Represent the company in technical partnerships and academic collaborations, ensuring we stay at the forefront of photonic technology advancements.
• External Engagement & Industry Leadership Cultivate strong relationships with key research institutions, vendors, foundries, and thought leaders in the photonics and optics industries.Monitor competitive landscapes, IP developments, and emerging technology trends, ensuring we identify and act on new business and technology opportunities as they arise.

Required Qualifications

• A or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in photonics, optoelectronics, or related technologies, ideally with at least 2 years in a leadership role driving strategic technology development.
• Deep understanding of cloud and telecom networks, with a focus on how AI / ML will shape the future of network architectures and their needs.
• Proven track record of successfully driving innovative technology from conceptual research to full commercialization.
• Strong leadership and experience in managing interdisciplinary teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels.