Global Innovation & Technology Manager

AFL

Global Innovation and Technology Manager at AFL responsible for engaging with customer engineering teams. Translating emerging technologies into scalable, differentiated solutions across strategic accounts.

Posted 6/23/2026full-timeRemote • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

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Hard Skills

solutions engineeringsystems architectureoptical networkingdata center infrastructurehigh-speed connectivity solutionsAI data center architecturestransceiver technologieshigh-speed data transmission standardsprotocol evolutionfiber & cable technologies

Soft Skills

communication skillspresentation skillsconsultative problem-solving skillslistening skillsprobing skillscollaborationinfluencetrust buildingtechnical credibilitystrategic partnership development

Tools & Technologies

EBOMMCSN-MTInfiniBandLPOoptical circuit switchingNVIDIAPolatisCPO/OBO initiativesdata center solutions

Industry Keywords

emerging technologiescustomer engagementsolution frameworkstechnical validationsinnovationmarket alignmentcustomer workshopstechnical discussionssolution strategyecosystem evolution

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Switching

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Advanced Customer Technical Engagement
Build trust and technical credibility quickly within target accounts
Engage directly with highly technical customer stakeholders (engineering, architecture, R&D) to understand complex system requirements
Uncover key pain points, performance gaps, and future-state needs through strong listening and probing skills
Rapidly conceptualize and translate customer requirements into viable solution concepts
Solutions Architecture & Ecosystem Integration
Lead customer engagement across AFL’s emerging technology ecosystem including; Connectors (EBO, MMC, SN-MT, ganged solutions), Fiber & cable technologies (MCF, HCF, advanced fiber designs), Networking & switching architectures.
Provide expertise in: Transceiver technologies and protocol evolution, High-speed data transmission standards UEC, InfiniBand (IB), LPO, and optical circuit switching.
Design integrated solutions that align with evolving data center and AI infrastructure demands.
Strategic Technical Partnerships
Develop and support strategic partnerships with key ecosystem players (e.g., NVIDIA, Polatis, CPO/OBO initiatives)
Collaborate with partners to co-develop and position joint solutions
Maintain strong awareness of partner roadmaps and alignment opportunities
Global Solutions Engineering Enablement
Act as a senior technical resource and escalation point for regional Solution Engineers
Support complex opportunities, customer workshops, and technical validations
Enable field teams with solution frameworks, messaging, and technical guidance
Technology Thought Leadership
Establish AFL as a leader in emerging technologies through: White papers, blogs, and technical publications, Solution guides and reference architectures.
Represent AFL at industry forums, customer briefings, and technical discussions
Provide forward-looking insights on technology trends and adoption pathways
Innovation & Market Alignment
Support alignment of emerging technologies within a 3–5 year adoption window
Provide feedback to product management and innovation teams based on customer engagement
Help shape solution strategy based on real-world customer demand and ecosystem evolution

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience; advanced degree is a plus
10+ years of experience in solutions engineering, systems architecture, or advanced technical sales within a highly technical data center environment
Demonstrated expertise in optical networking, data center infrastructure, or high-speed connectivity solutions
Strong understanding of emerging technologies including AI data center architectures and next-generation interconnects
Proven ability to engage and influence highly technical customer audiences
Exceptional communication, presentation, and consultative problem-solving skills
Experience working across global teams and regions

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible time off policy
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 advancement with an industry leading company!