Global Emerging Technologies and Innovation Senior Manager (Hybrid or Remote)

The Emerging Technologies and Innovation Manager drives the adoption of next-gen optical technologies, specifically within the AI Scale-Up ecosystem. Acting as the bridge between R&D, hyperscale clients, OEMs, and System Integrators, this Manager will position our solutions as the "connective mesh" for future GPU clusters and Co-Packaged Optics. The Emerging Technologies and Innovation Manager is a visionary leader with deep technical expertise to guide the transition to scale-up compute fabrics and build high-impact partnerships across the AI landscape.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Ecosystem Development

• Navigate the AI Hardware Supply Chain: Move beyond direct hyperscale client engagement to cultivate deep technical partnerships with key OEMs and ODMs (e.g., Foxconn, Quanta, Supermicro, Celestica) and System Integrators designing rack-scale AI solutions.
• AI Ecosystem Alignment: Develop specific engagement strategies for the different partner networks, focusing on platform compatibility with next-gen architectures (e.g., MGX, HGX, Spectrum-X). Ensure our emerging fiber technologies align with roadmaps for high-speed GPU interconnects and NVLink scale-up fabrics.
• Joint Reference Architectures: Lead initiatives to qualify our fiber and optical components into OEM reference designs for AI servers and high-density switch chassis.
• Hyperscale & ASIC Collaboration: Maintain high-level relationships with Lead Architects at Meta, AWS, Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia, while expanding influence to custom ASIC designers requiring specialized optical interposers or glass connectivity.

Emerging Solutions Portfolios

• 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 Business Unit technology strategies to the evolution of leading data center architectures
• Develop relationships with different OEMs including Nvidia, Broadcom, Cisco and Coherent
• Base and create technology roadmaps on market leading AI ML architectures such as from Nvidia, Broadcom and leading ASIC providers
• Focus on scale up AI ML network solutions such as shuffle boxes or optical back planes to support 576 GPUs and upwards connectivity within the rack
• Focus on scale out solutions connectivity solutions including CPO based connectivity for spine and leaf
• Significantly enhance AFL's position in the market and at key customers as a thought leader on optical technologies

Joint Development and Technology Agreements

• Identify and execute joint development agreements with key partners for realization of innovation roadmaps that target emerging markets and customer needs
• Advanced Optics & CPO: Champion the adoption of Multi-core Fiber (MCF), Hollow Core Fiber, and Glass Substrates specifically for Scale-Up (intra-rack/inter-chip) applications. 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.

Thought Leadership

• 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

Personal Qualities

• Strategic Visionary: Able to anticipate market trends and align product strategy accordingly.
• Relationship Builder: Skilled in developing trust-based partnerships with customers and collaborators.
• Innovative Thinker: Passionate about emerging technologies and their real-world applications.
• Collaborative Leader: Excels in cross-functional and cross-cultural team environments.
• Influential Communicator: Capable of articulating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Optics, Physics, or related field; MBA or advanced technical (PhD/MS) degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in product development, strategic marketing, or technology partnerships in the optical communications, Semiconductor, or data center hardware.
• Ecosystem Knowledge: 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.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong technical grasp of Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), silicon photonics, advanced semiconductor packaging, and the role of glass/fiber in high-performance computing (HPC). Deep understanding of AI/ML architectures, optical fiber technologies, and hyperscale data center requirements.
• Experience collaborating with global teams and navigating complex customer ecosystems.
• Active participation in industry standards bodies (TIA, OIF, IEEE, IEC) is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Environment: Office-based or Remote work environment (TBD)
• Travel: Frequent travel (domestic and international) as needed.