Customer Solutions Architect

About AOI

Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (AOI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical and Radio Frequency (RF) products, including components, modules, and equipment. AOIs products are the building blocks for broadband access networks worldwide, where they are used in the internet data center, CATV broadband, telecom, and FTTH markets. AOI is also a leader in broadband software solutions, delivering innovative software platforms that enable service providers to manage, operate, and optimize their broadband access networks.

Summary

We are seeking a technically strong and customer-focused Customer Solutions Architect to support the design and delivery of our CATV software solutions, with an emphasis on element management, remote management and control systems, and cloud-based architectures. This role requires hands-on experience in the telecommunications industry, particularly in CATV and broadband, along with a proven ability to translate customer needs into scalable, innovative software solutions.

Job Responsibilities

Solution Design:

• Develop and present tailored cloud-based and on-premise architecture solutions that address customer requirements for broadband access software products, ensuring alignment with organizational capabilities and industry standards.

Customer Engagement:

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers, working directly with them to gather requirements, understand integration needs, and guide them through solution design and deployment.

Integration Support:

• Lead efforts to assist customers in integrating software solutions into their existing systems, ensuring smooth deployment and ongoing support. Collaborate closely with engineering teams to develop integration strategies that meet customer specifications.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with product management, engineering, sales, and marketing teams to provide technical input on product initiatives, go-to-market strategies, and customer-facing materials.

Go-to-Market and Sales Support:

• Provide technical expertise and product knowledge to support sales teams, partners, and customers. Contribute to the development of product collateral, presentations, and training materials.

Cloud Architecture Expertise:

• Design and recommend cloud-based solutions leveraging AWS, Azure, GCP, and On-Premise platforms to meet customer scalability, reliability, and performance requirements within the CATV/broadband domain.

Market & Technical Analysis:

• Conduct research and competitive analysis to identify trends and opportunities in element management, remote management/control, and cloud-based solutions relevant to the CATV market.

User-Centric Design:

• Work with engineering and product teams to ensure software interfaces and architectures are intuitive and meet the diverse needs of customer segments.

Performance & Compliance:

• Define and monitor technical KPIs to evaluate solution performance. Ensure all solutions comply with relevant regulatory standards and industry best practices in security, reliability, and performance.

Qualifications

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements:

• Bachelor''s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in solutions architecture, product management, or systems engineering within the telecommunications or software industry. Experience with CATV systems are a plus.
• Hands-on experience designing and implementing cloud-based solutions within AWS, Azure, GCP, and On-Premise platforms.
• Knowledge of containerization, microservices, and DevOps practices. Strong experience with Kubernetes based environments is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of element management systems (EMS), remote management and control protocols, and current CATV/broadband technologies. A strong background with network troubleshooting and issue triaging is desirable.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with customers to gather requirements, address integration needs, and ensure satisfaction with delivered solutions.
• Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and technical excellence.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, etc.) and tools (e.g., JIRA, Trello).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a practical, data-driven approach to solution design and decision-making.

Location & Work Environment

This is a full-time hybrid position based in our Atlanta R&D Office in Duluth, Georgia. This location is an office environment, and does require occasional travel to customer sites, industry events, and company offices (5-25% of role). Expected business hours for this position are 9am to 6pm ET, Monday through Friday.

Why AOI?

In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers:

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
• Relocation packages available within the United States

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc (AOI) is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.

We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third-party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.