Sr. Director, Architectural Solutions - Santa Clara, CA, United States

Originally posted 29 April 2026 by the employer.

About the role

This role drives external technical engagement and translates system-level requirements into company technology and architectural strategy, reporting directly to the CTO. The position focuses on optical interconnect technologies, datacenter, communications, and industrial systems.

What you'll do

- Build and maintain technical relationships with hyperscalers and system companies, engaging senior technical leaders on system architectures, requirements, and roadmaps. - Present corporate-wide technology roadmaps to customers and identify opportunities for long-term technical engagement. - Translate customer architectures and ecosystem developments into clear technology requirements to inform internal technology and product roadmaps. - Develop architectural responses to advanced customer inquiries spanning multiple Business Groups or emerging domains such as CPO. - Engage with startups, partners, and universities to monitor emerging technologies, evaluate competitive dynamics, and develop recommendations for partnership, investment, or acquisition. - Represent Coherent at industry conferences, technical forums, and external customer engagements.

What you'll need

- Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. - 15+ years of experience in photonics, datacenter, or communications systems. - Deep understanding of system architectures and optical interconnect technologies. - Proven experience engaging directly with customers and influencing technical direction. - Track record of generating opportunities through technical engagement.

Nice to have

- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Skills: customer technical engagement, system architectures, technology roadmap, ecosystem developments, industry forums