Advanced Photonics Manager, SiPh Platform Engineering

GlobalFoundries•Austin, NY

About The Position

The inevitable transition from electrons to photons for high-speed communications and computing is transforming the semiconductor industry. Silicon Photonics is a dynamic and rapidly growing market that GlobalFoundries has committed to invest in. The Silicon Photonics Product Line is seeking a leader for the Advanced Photonics team that is focused on driving the definition and realization of next-generation photonic devices and system architectures that are closely aligned with near-term customer and market needs. The leader will provide technical vision, architectural leadership, and people management for a small, highly technical senior team. This role requires deep technical expertise in photonics and systems, strong customer-facing capabilities, and proven leadership in building and guiding high-impact technical teams. The Advanced Photonics team will translate industry trends and customer requirements into executable architectures, device concepts, and development programs with clear paths to productization.

Requirements

Advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
Deep expertise in photonic devices and integrated photonics, with a strong understanding of system‑level implications.
Demonstrated leadership of senior technical teams (Distinguished / Principal‑level engineers or equivalent).
Experience working across device, system, and manufacturing domains in a product‑driven environment.
Proven ability to engage credibly with customers, partners, and executive stakeholders.
Strong track record of translating advanced technology concepts into product‑relevant outcomes on aggressive timelines.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

Define and drive the next generation roadmap for advanced photonic devices, aligned to business and customer needs.
Lead the architecture and design of advanced photonic building blocks and subsystems.
Translate system‑level requirements into device‑level and platform‑level innovation that can be industrialized rapidly.
Serve as a senior technical authority on advanced photonics within the company, shaping internal strategy and external positioning.
Collaborate closely with customer development teams on next‑generation photonic systems and architectures.
Act as a technical counterpart to senior customer architects and technologists, influencing early system definitions and design choices.
Ensure customer learnings are rapidly incorporated into device concepts and platform enhancements.
Partner closely with gfLabs photonics team to transition longer‑term innovations into near‑term product opportunities.
Partner with Silicon photonics development teams to ensure seamless integration into the product roadmap.
Partner with Fab and foundry teams to align designs with manufacturing realities, yield, reliability, and scalability.
Drive tight alignment across device design, process technology, packaging, and test.
Continuously track industry trends, standards, and competitive developments in photonics, AI interconnects, and advanced optical systems.
Evaluate and selectively incorporate external innovations, ensuring differentiation and time‑to‑market advantage.
Build, lead, and mentor a small, elite technical team, setting a high bar for technical rigor, execution, and collaboration.
Provide clear technical direction, career development, and performance management for senior technical staff.
Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and constructive technical debate.
Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.