Sr. Director, Architectural Solutions

Coherent; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking a leader in Architectural Solutions to drive external technical engagement and translate system-level requirements into company technology and architectural strategy.

This role works at the intersection of customers, ecosystem partners, and internal research and engineering teams, shaping technical direction and turning external insight into priorities for Coherent. You will engage hyperscalers, system companies, startups and universities, represent Coherent at industry

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field (PhD preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in photonics, datacenter, or communications systems.
• Deep understanding of system architectures and optical interconnect technologies.
• Proven experience engaging directly with top-tier customers and influencing technical direction.
• Track record of generating opportunities through technical engagement.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain deep technical relationships with key customers, including hyperscalers and system companies to identify opportunities.
• Translate customer architectures and ecosystem developments into clear technology requirements to inform Coherent roadmaps.
• Synthesize external insights and communicate them across Business Groups and the CTO organization.

Education

PhD preferred

Job description

Job Description

Coherent is seeking a leader in Architectural Solutions to drive external technical engagement and translate system-level requirements into company technology and architectural strategy.

This role operates at the intersection of customers, ecosystem partners, and internal research and engineering teams. It engages deeply with leading customers in datacenter, communications, and industrial markets to shape technical direction and convert external insight into technology priorities and strategic opportunities for Coherent.

The role also engages the broader ecosystem, including startups and partners, and represents Coherent in key industry forums.

The position reports to the CTO.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Technical Engagement and Opportunity Development

• Build and maintain deep technical relationships with key customers, including hyperscalers and system companies
• Engage with customers’ senior technical leaders to understand system architectures, requirements, and roadmaps
• Present Coherent’s corporate-wide technology roadmap to customers and identify new opportunities using technology as a driver for long-term engagement

Internal Alignment and Technology Direction

• Translate customer architectures and ecosystem developments into clear technology requirements to inform Coherent technology and product roadmaps
• Develop architectural responses to advanced customer product or technology inquiries that span multiple Business Groups or are outside of the responsibility of any Business Group (e.g. CPO)
• Synthesize external insights and communicate them across Business Groups and the CTO organization

Ecosystem Engagement and Market Insight

• Engage with startups, partners, and universities and the broader ecosystem to monitor emerging technologies and develop partnerships
• Maintain awareness of competitive dynamics and threats, and bring key insights into the company to inform technology and product roadmaps
• Develop recommendations for partnership, investment, or acquisition

External Thought Leadership

• Represent Coherent at industry conferences, technical forums, and key customer engagements
• Deliver clear presentations aligned with company strategy
• Use external venues to position Coherent as a technology leader and contribute to shaping industry direction

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field (PhD preferred)
• 15+ years of experience in photonics, datacenter, or communications systems
• Deep understanding of system architectures and optical interconnect technologies
• Proven experience engaging directly with top-tier customers and influencing technical direction
• Track record of generating opportunities through technical engagement
• Strong communication and external presence

What We Are Looking For

• Ability to operate credibly at senior technical levels with customers and partners
• Strong system-level thinking and architectural judgment
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear strategic direction
• Clear and effective communicator with strong external presence

Quality And Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

• I Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
• C Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
• A Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
• R Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
• E Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!