Product Line Manager - Optical Testing

EXFO; Montreal, Quebec; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a bold and strategic Product Line Manager to shape the future of optical testing solutions. This role involves leading product lines, collaborating with R&D, and driving business strategies to meet market demands. If you are passionate about photonics and thrive in a dynamic environment, this is your chance to make a significant impact. Join a team that values innovation and diversity, and help push the boundaries of technology in a collaborative setting. Your expertise will play a crucial role in delivering high-performance solutions that meet the evolving needs of global customers.

Benefits

Collaborative and innovative environment

Access to world-class technology

Opportunity to influence global markets

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of optical testing and measurement tools.
• Experience in product management within telecom or photonics sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage optical testing product lines and collaborate with various teams.
• Translate customer challenges into product innovations and strategies.

Skills

Optical test & measurement principles

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs)

Quantum technologies

Communication systems

Product management

Analytical skills

Strategic mindset

Collaboration

Bilingual (French and English)

Job description

Product Line Manager - Optical Testing

Main locations:

Ville Saint-Laurent, Quebec, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Workplace type: Hybrid

Offer number: 4861

EXFO develops smarter test, monitoring and analytics solutions for the global communications industry. We are trusted advisers to fixed and mobile network operators, hyper-scalers and leaders in the manufacturing, development and research sector. They count on us to deliver superior visibility and insights into network performance, service reliability and user experience. Building on over 35 years of innovation, EXFO’s unique blend of equipment, software and services enable faster, more confident transformations related to 5G, cloud-native and fiber optic networks.

Since our beginnings in 1985, diversity has been one of EXFO's core values, fostering an inclusive corporate culture. We welcome people with a wide range of skills and experience into a culture that values innovative ideas, teamwork, and a customer- and market-focused approach. We seek the active contribution of everyone, with respect for the individual, the environment and the community. This is how we fulfill our purpose: to ensure the connected world meets the highest expectations, to bring together people, communities and businesses.

Be the vision behind the precision

At EXFO, we push the boundaries of innovation in optical testing, enabling the next generation of photonic integrated circuits (PICs), quantum technologies, and high-performance communication systems. We're looking for a bold and strategic Product Line Manager (PLM) to lead the charge in shaping the future of our optical test and measurement portfolio. If you’re passionate about photonics, thrive at the intersection of business and cutting-edge R&D, and love transforming complexity into clarity for customers—this role is your stage.

Your Mission

As the PLM for Optical Testing, you are the key orchestrator between EXFO’s world-class R&D teams and the needs of our global customer base. You’ll lead the evolution of our optical testing product lines—from tunable lasers and filters to advanced PIC testing platforms—while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to build products that truly move the industry forward.

This is more than product management. It's about defining vision, unlocking new market potential, and delivering real impact.

What you’ll be driving

• Lead and manage EXFO’s optical testing product lines, including tunable lasers, tunable filters, optical component testing platforms, and associated modules.
• Collaborate with Solution Managers and fellow Product Line Managers within the MDR team to strengthen our test solution offerings and define product roadmaps that address evolving market needs.
• Own the business plan—develop and execute annual strategies aligned with the business unit’s financial goals and long-term vision, with full accountability for product line profitability (P&L).
• Translate customer challenges into innovation by working closely with R&D technical leaders to align product development with real-world testing needs and long-term growth opportunities.
• Partner with marketing and sales to design and execute high-impact go-to-market strategies that reinforce EXFO’s leadership in optical component and PIC testing—while expanding reach into emerging areas like quantum technologies.
• Nurture strategic relationships with key customers and partners to support their product development roadmaps, enabling next-generation innovation through collaborative alignment.

What you bring to the table

Technical Mastery

• Deep knowledge of optical test & measurement principles and tools.
• Sharp understanding of photonic integrated circuits (PICs), optical components, quantum technologies, and communication systems.
• First-hand experience using and/or designing test solutions for transceivers, network equipment, or lab applications.

Leadership & Business Acumen

• A proven track record in product management, product design, or R&D within telecom, photonics, or high-tech sectors.
• Strong analytical and strategic mindset with the ability to drive roadmaps, shape portfolios, and grow market share.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and build alignment from concept to commercialization.

Relationship-Driven

• A natural collaborator and communicator who thrives in global, multi-disciplinary environments.
• Comfortable engaging with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders at all levels—from technical experts to C-suite.
• Bilingual in French and English; additional languages are a plus.
• Passion for emerging tech trends in quantum, AI-enabled T&M, or advanced packaging.
• Experience working with global clients and navigating complex sales cycles.
• Willingness to travel internationally (~20%).

Why EXFO?

At EXFO, you’ll be joining a team that believes in pushing innovation forward while keeping people at the heart of everything we do.

We offer:

• A collaborative, innovative environment with access to world-class technology.
• The opportunity to influence global markets from right here in Canada.
• A deep-dive into an industry with unlimited potential.

EXFO is an equal opportunity employer

Diversity is an asset that has made EXFO strong since its inception because it enriches us. For more information about diversity and inclusion at EXFO, read our DEI Statement.

For positions located in Quebec, the language requirement is French. However, in the context where the incumbent evolves in an international work environment and where the activities take place mainly outside Quebec, we favor bilingualism as a linguistic requirement.