Director Strategy for Advanced Networking and Enterprise

Flex; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Flex, a diversified manufacturing partner, seeks a Director of Strategy for Advanced Networking and Enterprise to define infrastructure solutions and roadmaps in high-speed networking, optical, switching, and AI platforms. The role is based in Austin, TX or San Jose, CA and drives collaboration across engineering, product, and customers.

You will translate market trends into requirements, shape product strategies, and monitor adoption, margins, and customer satisfaction while leading

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in optical networking, switch architecture, or silicon photonics within data center, networking, and semiconductor industries.

Responsibilities

• Define roadmap for high-speed networking, optical and switches, aligning with customer requirements and trends.
• Translate customer feedback and market trends into compelling product requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and business development to drive execution and competitiveness.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline

Master’s or PhD preferred

Job description

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.

The Director of Strategy for Advanced Networking and Enterprise will contribute to defining infrastructure solutions, products, and services roadmaps, focused on high-speed networking, optical, switching, smart NICs/DPUs, Satcom, and Enterprise AI platforms spanning Enterprise OEM, storage and cybersecurity. This role will be central to shaping Flex’s leadership across advanced connectivity domains — including optical transceivers, co-packaged optics, silicon photonics, smart NIC/DPU architectures, AI-driven infrastructure, storage systems, and secure networking platforms — as part of the Communications business group. This position can be based in Austin, TX or San Jose, CA.

In this role, you will be responsible for Flex’s communications and infrastructure strategy across networking, optical, switching, Enterprise AI, storage, and cybersecurity, including technology partnerships, platform architectures, and product lifecycle planning. You will lead efforts in defining requirements, aligning cross-functional execution, and driving innovation and competitiveness across key growth vectors. You will interface with internal engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams, as well as external customers and ecosystem partners.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

• Define the roadmap for high speed networking, optical and switches, aligning with customer requirements, hyperscaler trends, and emerging standards (e.g., 800G/1.6T optics, co-packaged switch modules).
• Drive strategic partnerships to accelerate innovation and ensure competitive differentiation.
• Evaluate and define make-versus-partner strategies for optical and switch integration.
• Lead the development of solutions aligned with the Communications business objectives and key market trends.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D teams to define and develop solutions that meet evolving customer and industry needs.
• Translate customer feedback, market trends, and technology roadmaps into compelling product requirements.
• Work closely with sales, business development, and marketing to position products effectively and support customer engagement strategies.
• Perform market and competitive analysis to identify strategic opportunities and threats.
• Stay ahead of market and technology trends in silicon photonics, optical switching, Smart NICs, transceivers, and Satcom to inform investment and R&D priorities.
• Engage directly with communications and enterprise customers to gather insights and shape product strategies.
• Coordinate with supply chain and operations teams to ensure manufacturability, cost optimization, and high-quality delivery.
• Manage and monitor key metrics such as adoption, revenue, gross margin, and customer satisfaction.

The Experience We’re Looking to Add to Our Team

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in optical networking, switch architecture, or silicon photonics within data center, networking, and semiconductor industries.
• Proven track record in developing or managing optical modules, transceivers, or photonic integration strategies.
• Strong understanding of network architectures, including top-of-rack, spine-leaf, and optical circuit switching.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technology insights into business strategy and drive execution across large, matrixed organizations.
• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, and business development teams in a fast-moving global environment
• Proven track record in bringing hardware products from ideation through launch and sustaining.
• Ability to synthesize technical details into customer value propositions and business impact.
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to use data to support product decisions and trade-offs.
• Familiarity with open-source frameworks (e.g., OCP, SONiC) and regulatory environments related to IT infrastructure
• Passion for innovation, sustainability, and building next-generation infrastructure solutions.

Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We’re happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email [e-mail] and we’ll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).