Global Emerging Technologies and Innovation Manager (Hybrid or Remote)

AFL Telecommunications • ,

42d • $146,300 - $246,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Emerging Technologies and Innovation Manager leads AFL to bring its next-generation fiber and connectivity products into the AI data center market. You will work with our R&D and manufacturing teams, and with the world’s leading cloud and AI hardware companies, to make sure AFL is part of what they build next.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Optics, Physics, or related field; MBA or advanced technical (PhD/MS) degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in Business or product development or strategic market development, in the optical communications or data center hardware.
• Proven track record of working within the OEM/ODM and System Integrator ecosystem.
• Deep familiarity with the design cycles and qualification processes of major hardware manufacturers.
• Experience collaborating with global teams and navigating complex customer ecosystems.
• Active participation in industry standards bodies (TIA, OIF, IEEE, IEC) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Navigate the AI Hardware ecosystem to cultivate deep technical partnerships with key OEMs and ODMs (e.g., Foxconn, Quanta, Supermicro, Celestica) and System Integrators designing rack-scale AI solutions.
• Develop specific engagement strategies for the different partner networks, focusing on platform compatibility with next-gen architectures and ensuring our emerging fiber technologies align with roadmaps for high-speed GPU interconnects.
• Lead initiatives to qualify our fiber and optical components into OEM reference designs for AI servers and high-density switch chassis.
• Develop specific Solution Portfolios and roadmaps based on emerging fiber technologies (Multicore Fiber, Hollow core, Image Fiber, Ultra thin fiber, etc).
• Track, Adapt and Prepare technology strategies to the evolution of leading data center architectures
• Drive high-density, low-latency data center interconnects. Multicore Fiber (MCF) and Hollow-Core Fiber (HCF) cables, connectors, splicing, and fiber array units.
• Bring Fiber Transmission optics inside chassis and racks with short-reach (1–3 m) optical jumpers and backplane / midplane assemblies
• Lead the vertical and horizontal shuffle hardware that routes fiber within scale-up racks
• Identify and execute joint development agreements with key partners for realization of innovation roadmaps.
• Champion the adoption of Multi-core Fiber (MCF), Hollow Core Fiber. Lead the development, then position our technology to solve density, thermal, and latency challenges in Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) and optical-to-chip interconnects
• Execute on joint development agreements into strategic adjacencies by developing partnerships that address new product opportunities across the Data Center, Cloud and AI connectivity ecosystem.
• Provide thought leadership at industry events on the fiber technologies and roadmaps
• Promote the use of MCF via Chair position at Advanced Photonics Coalition
• Seek partners and interest via Director Position at Advanced Photonics Consortium
• Promote next gen fiber and connectivity solutions at OFC, ECOC, Optica and other industry events

Benefits

• Flexible time off policy
• Hybrid: After gaining knowledge of our environment, there is the opportunity for this position to work under our Hybrid schedule working both in the office and remotely
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advance with an industry leading company

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior