Sales Director - Optics and Photonics

MLOptic; Sunnyvale (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MLOptic in Sunnyvale, CA seeks an experienced Sales Director, Optics & Photonics to drive strategic revenue growth across the Bay Area's tech ecosystem. You will cultivate key customer relationships, identify new market opportunities, and position MLOptic as a trusted partner for advanced optical components, precision manufacturing solutions, and photonic systems.

The role requires a consultative sales approach, a track record of closing multi-million-dollar technical deals, and the ability to

Qualifications

• 10+ years of sales experience in optics, photonics, semiconductor equipment, or related technical industries.
• Strong knowledge of optical components and photonic systems.
• Proven track record closing multi-million-dollar technical sales.
• Experience selling into Bay Area technology and manufacturing markets.
• Ability to discuss optical designs and system-level requirements.
• Excellent executive-level communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive revenue growth by expanding strategic Tier 1 accounts.
• Develop new business opportunities in optics and photonics markets.
• Maintain a robust sales pipeline with data-driven forecasting.
• Lead technical solution-selling with engineering and applications teams.
• Align customer requirements with product development and R&D.
• Negotiate pricing, proposals, contracts, and supply agreements.
• Monitor competitive activity and emerging technologies.
• Mentor regional sales reps and applications engineers.

Skills

Sales leadership

Strategic account management

Technical solution selling

Executive communication

Forecasting & analytics

Education

Physics/Optics/Photonics/Engineering degree

Tools

Salesforce

CRM systems

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Sales Director, Optics & Photonics to drive strategic revenue growth and expand our presence across the Bay Area's highly innovative technology ecosystem. This role will focus on developing key customer relationships, identifying new market opportunities, and positioning our company as a trusted partner for advanced optical components, precision manufacturing solutions, and photonic systems.

The ideal candidate combines deep industry expertise with a consultative sales approach and a proven track record of closing complex, high-value technical opportunities.

Location

Target Markets

This role will actively engage customers across a range of optics and photonics-driven industries, including:

• Semiconductor manufacturing and equipment suppliers
• LiDAR and automotive sensing technologies
• Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) companies
• Biomedical imaging and life science instrumentation
• Precision manufacturing and industrial automation
• Emerging technologies, including quantum computing and integrated photonics

Key Responsibilities

• Drive revenue growth through expansion of strategic Tier 1 accounts.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities within optics and photonics markets.
• Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline, utilizing data-driven forecasting and reporting.
• Lead technical solution-selling efforts in collaboration with engineering and applications teams.
• Align customer requirements with product development and R&D initiatives.
• Negotiate pricing, proposals, contracts, and long‑term supply agreements.
• Monitor competitive activity, industry developments, and emerging technologies.
• Develop trusted relationships with executive and technical decision‑makers.
• Mentor and support regional sales representatives and application engineers.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of successful sales experience in optics, photonics, semiconductor equipment, precision manufacturing, or related technical industries.
• Strong understanding of optical components, photonic systems, and related technologies.
• Demonstrated success closing multi‑million‑dollar technical sales opportunities.
• Experience selling into Bay Area technology and manufacturing markets.
• Ability to understand and discuss optical designs, engineering drawings, and system‑level requirements.
• Excellent executive‑level communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Established network within the Bay Area optics, photonics, or semiconductor industries.
• Experience working with OEM and ODM manufacturing environments.
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Physics, Optics, Photonics, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Familiarity with leading technology organizations such as ASML, Lam Research, NVIDIA, Apple, and other advanced manufacturing or photonics‑focused companies.

Success Measures

Success in this role will be evaluated through:

• Achievement of annual revenue and growth objectives
• Expansion of strategic customer accounts
• Sales pipeline health and forecast accuracy
• Customer satisfaction, retention, and long‑term partnership development
• Contributions to product roadmap alignment and market strategy
• Hybrid position based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Frequent customer visits throughout San Jose, Sunnyvale, Fremont, Santa Clara, and surrounding technology hubs.
• Occasional domestic and international travel.

Salary Range

Base Salary:$150,000 - $190,000 annually.
Incentive Compensation: This position participates in a performance‑based commission plan designed to reward achievement of sales goals and business growth objectives.
Total Compensation Opportunity: In addition to base salary, this role offers significant variable earnings potential through the commission plan, with substantial upside for high‑performing individuals.