Senior Director, Architectural Solutions

Coherent Corp.

Coherent seeks a leader in Architectural Solutions to drive external technical engagement and shape technology strategy and priorities. Engaging with customers and ecosystem partners for strategic opportunities.

Posted 4/30/2026full-timeSanta Clara • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $188,125 - $282,250 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and maintain deep technical relationships with key customers, including hyperscalers and system companies
Engage with customers’ senior technical leaders to understand system architectures, requirements, and roadmaps
Present Coherent’s corporate-wide technology roadmap to customers and identify new opportunities using technology as a driver for long-term engagement
Translate customer architectures and ecosystem developments into clear technology requirements to inform Coherent technology and product roadmaps
Develop architectural responses to advanced customer product or technology inquiries that span multiple Business Groups or are outside of the responsibility of any Business Group
Synthesize external insights and communicate them across Business Groups and the CTO organization
Engage with startups, partners, and universities and the broader ecosystem to monitor emerging technologies and develop partnerships
Maintain awareness of competitive dynamics and threats, and bring key insights into the company to inform technology and product roadmaps
Develop recommendations for partnership, investment, or acquisition
Represent Coherent at industry conferences, technical forums, and key customer engagements
Deliver clear presentations aligned with company strategy
Use external venues to position Coherent as a technology leader and contribute to shaping industry direction

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field (PhD preferred)
15+ years of experience in photonics, datacenter, or communications systems
Deep understanding of system architectures and optical interconnect technologies
Proven experience engaging directly with top-tier customers and influencing technical direction
Track record of generating opportunities through technical engagement
Strong communication and external presence.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Paid time off
Flexible work arrangements
Professional development opportunities

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

system architecturesoptical interconnect technologiestechnical engagementarchitectural responsestechnology requirementsproduct roadmapscompetitive dynamicsemerging technologiespartnership developmentinvestment recommendations

Soft Skills

communicationpresentation skillsrelationship buildinginfluencingsynthesis of insightsexternal presencecollaborationstrategic thinkingcustomer engagementleadership

Certifications

PhD in Electrical EngineeringPhD in Physics