Photonics Product Managers

Darwin Quantum; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking a Silicon Photonics Product Manager to lead the development and commercialization of next‑generation photonic technologies for AI infrastructure and data centre applications. You will translate customer needs into product strategy, roadmaps and execution plans, owning the full lifecycle from concept to launch.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in silicon photonics or semiconductor technologies, excels in cross‑functional collaboration with engineering,

Qualifications

• Proven experience in developing product strategies for technology products.
• Strong understanding of silicon photonics or semiconductor tech and translating it into product value.
• Experience in market analysis, competitive research and business case development.

Responsibilities

• Define and own product strategies, roadmaps and requirements aligned with customer needs and business objectives.
• Interface with customers and engineering teams to translate feedback into actionable product requirements.
• Drive products from concept through development, qualification, launch and commercialization.

Skills

Product management

Roadmap development

Lifecycle management

Silicon photonics

Market analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Project management

Education

Master's or PhD in Engineering/Physics/CS/Math

Job description

An innovative semiconductor design company specialising in advanced silicon photonics and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for optical communications.

The business is developing high-performance, low‑power and cost-effective photonic and electronic solutions for next‑generation AI infrastructure and data centre applications.

This is an opportunity to join a growing, technology‑driven engineering team working at the forefront of silicon photonics. The company offers an environment where individuals can take ownership, collaborate across multiple disciplines and play a meaningful role in bringing innovative photonic technologies to market.

Role Description

Silicon Photonics Product Manager

We are seeking a Product Manager to drive the development and commercialisation of next‑generation photonic technologies for AI infrastructure and data centre applications.

This individual will act as the bridge between customers, the market and engineering teams, translating customer requirements and market opportunities into product strategy, roadmaps and execution plans.

The ideal candidate will combine a strong understanding of silicon photonics or semiconductor technologies with customer engagement, market awareness and programme management experience.

You will take ownership of the product lifecycle, from initial concept and requirements definition through development, qualification, launch and commercialisation, ensuring products address genuine customer needs and market opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own product strategies, roadmaps and requirements aligned with customer needs, market opportunities and business objectives.

• Act as the primary interface between customers and engineering teams, translating customer feedback and market insights into actionable product requirements.

• Drive products from concept through development, qualification, launch and commercialisation.

• Own product schedules, milestones and deliverables, ensuring programmes remain on track and customer commitments are met.

• Lead customer discussions, requirements reviews and cross‑functional planning meetings.

• Develop and maintain product requirements documents, datasheets, application notes, presentations and other customer‑facing technical materials.

• Analyse market trends, competitive products and customer requirements to guide product direction, positioning and pricing strategies.

• Coordinate with engineering teams and external partners, including foundries, suppliers and test vendors, to support product development and deployment.

• Identify risks, remove obstacles and drive resolution of issues affecting product performance, schedules or customer satisfaction.

• Lead vendor evaluation and selection activities, balancing technical requirements, cost, timelines and business objectives.

• Work with semiconductor foundries and external suppliers to establish development plans, manage schedules and ensure successful product execution.

Required Qualifications

• Strong product management experience, including roadmap development, requirements definition and product lifecycle management.

• Solid understanding of silicon photonics, optical communications or semiconductor technologies, with the ability to translate technical concepts into product value.

• Experience in market analysis, competitive research and business case development for technology products.

• Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills, working with engineering, operations, sales and marketing teams.

• Excellent communication skills, including technical writing, presentations and stakeholder engagement.

• Proven organisational and project management capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Master's degree or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics or a related technical discipline.

• Previous product management experience within semiconductors, photonics or related hardware industries is highly beneficial.

• Ability to work on‑site in New Jersey within a fast‑paced, innovation‑driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics or a related technical discipline.

• Experience within semiconductor, photonics, optical networking, AI infrastructure, data centre, telecommunications or related technology industries.

• Experience taking technology products from initial concept through launch and customer deployment.

• Experience developing datasheets, application notes, technical presentations and customer‑facing product documentation.

• Understanding of semiconductor development flows, foundry ecosystems, product qualification and commercialisation processes.

• Experience with product positioning, market analysis, competitive analysis and pricing strategies.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.