Architect, Datacenter and Communications

Coherent Corp. US • Santa Clara, CA

86d

About The Position

The position involves maintaining a deep knowledge of AI platform architectures, focusing on compute, memory, and interconnect trends that drive optical requirements within data centers and transport networks. The role requires tracking and interpreting technology roadmaps from leading hyperscalers and silicon providers to assess implications for Coherent’s product portfolio. Additionally, the position translates AI/ML infrastructure needs into optical communication requirements and partners with product managers and engineering teams to influence the development of various optical technologies. The role also includes serving as a trusted technical counterpart to senior engineering leaders at hyperscale customers, analyzing industry trends, and acting as a bridge between AI system architectures and Coherent’s optical hardware development.

Requirements

• BSEE, BSCE, or BS in Physics; Master’s or PhD preferred.
• 10–15+ years of experience in technical leadership roles across AI infrastructure, cloud, HPC, or optical systems.
• Experience working with hyperscaler engineering teams or silicon vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to influence product direction and secure design wins.
• Strong working knowledge of large language model (LLM) architectures.
• Familiarity with GPU/TPU/NPU platforms and their architectural impact on optical I/O.
• Broad understanding of optical interconnect technologies.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to operate credibly at both engineering and senior customer levels.
• Systems thinker: able to integrate signals across hardware, software, packaging, power, and photonics.

Nice To Haves

• Background in photonics, packaging, or coherent optical systems.
• Experience in vertically integrated environments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain deep knowledge of AI platform architectures (GPUs, TPUs, custom accelerators).
• Track and interpret technology roadmaps from leading hyperscalers and silicon providers.
• Translate AI/ML infrastructure needs into optical communication requirements.
• Partner with product managers, engineering, and CTO’s office to influence optical technology development.
• Provide architectural insights that shape R&D priorities.
• Serve as a trusted technical counterpart to senior engineering leaders at hyperscale customers.
• Build credibility and long-term relationships through roadmap discussions and technical reviews.
• Contribute to early design-win opportunities.
• Analyze industry trends, competitive developments, and customer needs.
• Write technical briefs, whitepapers, and presentations.
• Represent Coherent in key technical discussions and industry forums.
• Act as a bridge between AI system architectures and optical hardware development.
• Align cross-functional stakeholders around customer-driven requirements.
• Provide the 'voice of the customer' to influence technology and product development.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer.
• Accommodations for disabilities.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees