CPO Business Unit Leader

viaPhoton; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with match

Flexible PTO

Paid holidays

Team events

Benefits overview

Job summary

viaPhoton is building its Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) business from the ground up, targeting hyperscale AI data centers and OEMs. You will own strategy, technology roadmap, staffing, and P&L, combining commercial insight with deep technical expertise in optical networking, silicon photonics, and AI infrastructure.

You will lead a fast-paced, cross-functional team in a growth-focused environment, reporting to the CTO and shaping a market-defining product line for the AI era.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering (MS preferred); MBA is a plus.
• 8+ years of progressive experience guiding teams, including 5+ years running technology businesses.
• Brought advanced technology products to market.
• Deep technical understanding of optical networking, silicon photonics, and AI infrastructure.
• Energetic with fast-paced cross-functional teamwork focused on customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Build and grow the CPO business from the ground up, owning strategy, technology roadmap, staffing, and P&L.
• Shape and carry out a strategic plan for the advanced photonics business, defining target markets, product portfolio, and positioning.
• Build a photonics team that can innovate and deliver against the plan.
• Guide development of key enabling technologies: co-packaged optics, silicon photonics, laser integration, fiber-to-chip interconnect, and high-volume manufacturing.
• Form strategic partnerships across foundries, photonics packaging and fiber optic component suppliers, and research institutions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy

Cross-functional

Business development

Team building

Education

BS in Engineering

MBA

Job description

Who We AreWe are changing the norm by being customer-focused, technology-led. viaPhoton is reimagining fiber optic manufacturing for the AI era. We design and deliver custom-engineered, end-to-end fiber connectivity solutions for the data centers, 5G networks, and AI infrastructure shaping the next decade, and our customers need them in weeks, not months. In five years we've grown to a team of 200+ and 4x'd our revenue in the last year alone, and we're just getting started. We're looking for people who want to do their best work with a team that's moving fast.

About the Role

You'll build viaPhoton's Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) business from the ground up into a market-defining organization serving hyperscale AI data centers, GPU compute tray suppliers, and optical network switch OEMs. You'll own the whole business, including strategy, technology roadmap, team, and P&L, pairing commercial know-how with deep technical understanding of optical networking, silicon photonics, and AI infrastructure. This role reports to the CTO.

• Build and grow the CPO business into a market-defining organization, owning strategy, technology roadmap, staffing, and P&L
• Shape and carry out a strategic plan for the advanced photonics business, defining target markets, product portfolio, and positioning
• Build a photonics team that can innovate and deliver against the plan
• Guide development of key enabling technologies: co-packaged optics, silicon photonics, laser integration, fiber-to-chip interconnect, and high-volume manufacturing
• Form strategic partnerships across foundries, photonics packaging and fiber optic component suppliers, and research institutions

What You'll Bring

• Have a BS in Engineering (MS preferred); an MBA is a plus
• Have 8+ years of progressive experience guiding teams, including 5+ years running technology businesses
• Have brought advanced technology products to market
• Bring deep technical understanding of optical networking, silicon photonics, and AI infrastructure
• Are energized by a fast-paced environment where cross-functional teamwork and customer satisfaction come first

Want to read the full job description? Business Unit Leader, CPO

What\'s in it for you?

• Robust health, dental, and vision coverage that starts on day 1
• 401(k) with 4% match, vests immediately after a 90-day waiting period
• Flexible PTO that grows over time
• 10 paid holidays, including 2 floating holidays
• Monthly team events
• Click here to view our full benefits overview.

Location: Naperville, IL

Schedule: Mon–Fri | Onsite

Compensation: $150,000 to $250,000 per year, plus annual bonus

Were building something big, and we want good people along for the ride. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.

At viaPhoton, we are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion. We reinforce this through our core values and beliefs as well as our processes and strategic goals. We remind team members to seek various viewpoints, learn and be hungry with curiosity, and gain trust.

We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit and qualifications. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, health condition, genetic information, marital or family status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic background, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We provide reasonable accommodations and adjustments throughout the hiring process. If you need one, please let us know. Any personal data you share with us is handled confidentially and in line with applicable data protection law.