Sr. Director, Strategic Customer Solutions CPO

Coherent Corp.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. seeks a Sr. Director of Strategic Customer Solutions CPO to drive strategy for Co-Packaged Optics, Optical Components, and AI networking.

You will report to the EVP/GM of the Optical Components Business Group and work with the CTO to align technology with customer needs at the intersection of science and business. You will lead cross‑functional efforts across product, engineering, and sales, coordinating with multiple business groups to identify opportunities and shape long‑term

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in optical communications, datacenter networking, semiconductors, or related industries.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with strategic customers and technology partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Coherent's CPO strategy and coordinate across groups.
• Identify portfolio gaps and strategic investment areas for CPO.
• Engage hyperscalers and ecosystem partners to shape solutions.
• Translate customer needs into actionable opportunities for Coherent.
• Drive market messaging and thought leadership for CPO and Optical Components.

Skills

Strategic customer engagement

Strong communication and presentation

Influence without direct authority

Operate across technical, commercial,&

Experience with strategic customers

Education

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Job Summary

Coherent is seeking a Sr. Director of Strategic Customer Solutions CPO to help drive the company's strategy and market leadership in Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), Optical Components, and next‑generation AI networking technologies. Reporting to the EVP and General Manager of the Optical Components Business Group and working closely with the CTO, the candidate will operate at the intersection of technology, product strategy, customer engagement, and business development.

Key Responsibilities

CPO Strategy And Cross‑Company Coordination

• Support the development and execution of Coherent's CPO strategy
• Coordinate activities across multiple Coherent business groups involved in CPO and optical interconnect technologies
• Identify portfolio gaps, technology opportunities, and strategic investment areas
• Drive alignment across product roadmaps, technology development efforts, and customer requirements
• Help define long‑term market and technology strategies for AI networking and optical interconnects

Strategic Customer Engagement

• Engage directly with hyperscalers, switch vendors, networking companies, and ecosystem partners
• Develop a deep understanding of customer architectures, roadmaps, and future requirements
• Translate customer needs into actionable opportunities for Coherent
• Support technical solution selling and strategic customer discussions
• Build trusted relationships with customer architects, technical leaders, and decision makers

Market Development and Positioning

• Develop customer‑facing messaging and value propositions for CPO and Optical Components BG
• Coordinate marketing materials, executive presentations, and strategic customer communications
• Support conference participation, industry engagement, and thought leadership activities
• Monitor market trends, competitive developments, startup activity, and emerging technologies
• Help establish Coherent as a recognized leader in optical interconnect technologies

Business Development and Strategic Initiatives

• Identify and develop new growth opportunities across Coherent's technology portfolio
• Facilitate cross‑selling opportunities across multiple business groups
• Support strategic partnerships and ecosystem development
• Evaluate emerging market opportunities and business models
• Drive strategic initiatives that require coordination across multiple organizations

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in optical communications, datacenter networking, semiconductors, or related industries
• Strong understanding of optical interconnect technologies, transceivers, silicon photonics, CPO, or networking architectures
• Experience working directly with strategic customers and technology partners
• Demonstrated ability to influence across organizations without direct authority
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to operate effectively across technical, commercial, and executive audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hyperscale datacenter architectures and AI networking
• Familiarity with silicon photonics, optical packaging, fiber optics, or optical components
• Experience in product management, strategic marketing, business development, or technology strategy
• Existing relationships within the datacenter, networking, or AI ecosystem

Success in this Role

• Expand Coherent's strategic engagement with key customers and ecosystem partners
• Improve alignment across Coherent's CPO‑related activities
• Identify and develop new growth opportunities for Coherent technologies
• Increase the visibility and market impact of Coherent's optical interconnect portfolio
• Help translate technology leadership into commercial success

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality And Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of 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

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.: Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust; Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas; Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome; Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone; Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work.

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!

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].