Coherent Corp.
Architect, Datacenter and Communications
Base pay range $165,375.00/yr - $248,125.00/yr Overview
This role is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and is onsite/Hybrid. The actual pay will be based on skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Architecture Intelligence & Analysis: Maintain deep knowledge of AI platform architectures (GPUs, TPUs, custom accelerators), focusing on compute, memory, and interconnect trends that drive optical requirements inside the datacenter, the datacenter interconnect (DCI), and the transport and telecom networks. Track and interpret technology roadmaps from leading hyperscalers and silicon providers, assessing implications for Coherent’s product portfolio. Technology & Roadmap Alignment: Translate AI/ML infrastructure needs into optical communication requirements for bandwidth, latency, power, form factor, and packaging. Partner with product managers, engineering, and CTO’s office to influence development of optical transceivers, co-packaged optics (CPO), optical switching systems, hollowcore/multicore fibers, coherent components and transceivers, and transport equipment. Provide architectural insights that shape R&D priorities and guide new technology development. Customer Engagement: Serve as a trusted technical counterpart to senior engineering leaders at hyperscale customers. Build credibility and long-term relationships by engaging in roadmap discussions, co-design sessions, and technical reviews. Contribute to early design-win opportunities and strengthen Coherent’s position as a partner of choice. Market Insight & Thought Leadership: Analyze industry trends, competitive developments, and customer needs to inform internal planning. Write technical briefs, whitepapers, and presentations that communicate Coherent’s role in next-generation AI and datacenter infrastructure. Represent Coherent in key technical discussions, executive reviews, and industry forums. Internal Collaboration: Act as a bridge between AI system architectures and Coherent’s optical hardware development. Align cross-functional stakeholders — R&D, product, business development, marketing — around customer-driven requirements. Provide the “voice of the customer” to influence technology and product development decisions. Education & Experience
BSEE, BSCE, or BS in Physics; Master’s or PhD preferred. 10–15+ years of experience in technical leadership roles across AI infrastructure, cloud, HPC, or optical systems. Experience working with hyperscaler engineering teams or silicon vendors. Demonstrated ability to influence product direction, secure design wins, and communicate technical vision. Bonus: background in photonics, packaging, or coherent optical systems; experience in vertically integrated environments. Skills
Strong working knowledge of large language model (LLM) architectures, including scaling, memory, and interconnect bottlenecks. Strong working knowledge of DCI and transport technologies. Familiarity with GPU/TPU/NPU platforms and their architectural impact on optical I/O. Broad understanding of optical interconnect technologies: PAM4, CPO, optical circuit switching, advanced transceivers. Exceptional communication skills with the ability to operate credibly at both engineering and senior customer levels. Systems thinker: able to integrate signals across hardware, software, packaging, power, and photonics into a clear perspective. Working Conditions
This position is onsite/Hybrid May require occasional off-site meetings or travel Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job Physical Requirements
Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings. Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents. Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks. Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards. Quality And Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System. Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.: Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust; Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas; Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome; Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone; Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work. Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact talentacquisition@coherent.com. About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It’s an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
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Base pay range $165,375.00/yr - $248,125.00/yr Overview
This role is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and is onsite/Hybrid. The actual pay will be based on skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Architecture Intelligence & Analysis: Maintain deep knowledge of AI platform architectures (GPUs, TPUs, custom accelerators), focusing on compute, memory, and interconnect trends that drive optical requirements inside the datacenter, the datacenter interconnect (DCI), and the transport and telecom networks. Track and interpret technology roadmaps from leading hyperscalers and silicon providers, assessing implications for Coherent’s product portfolio. Technology & Roadmap Alignment: Translate AI/ML infrastructure needs into optical communication requirements for bandwidth, latency, power, form factor, and packaging. Partner with product managers, engineering, and CTO’s office to influence development of optical transceivers, co-packaged optics (CPO), optical switching systems, hollowcore/multicore fibers, coherent components and transceivers, and transport equipment. Provide architectural insights that shape R&D priorities and guide new technology development. Customer Engagement: Serve as a trusted technical counterpart to senior engineering leaders at hyperscale customers. Build credibility and long-term relationships by engaging in roadmap discussions, co-design sessions, and technical reviews. Contribute to early design-win opportunities and strengthen Coherent’s position as a partner of choice. Market Insight & Thought Leadership: Analyze industry trends, competitive developments, and customer needs to inform internal planning. Write technical briefs, whitepapers, and presentations that communicate Coherent’s role in next-generation AI and datacenter infrastructure. Represent Coherent in key technical discussions, executive reviews, and industry forums. Internal Collaboration: Act as a bridge between AI system architectures and Coherent’s optical hardware development. Align cross-functional stakeholders — R&D, product, business development, marketing — around customer-driven requirements. Provide the “voice of the customer” to influence technology and product development decisions. Education & Experience
BSEE, BSCE, or BS in Physics; Master’s or PhD preferred. 10–15+ years of experience in technical leadership roles across AI infrastructure, cloud, HPC, or optical systems. Experience working with hyperscaler engineering teams or silicon vendors. Demonstrated ability to influence product direction, secure design wins, and communicate technical vision. Bonus: background in photonics, packaging, or coherent optical systems; experience in vertically integrated environments. Skills
Strong working knowledge of large language model (LLM) architectures, including scaling, memory, and interconnect bottlenecks. Strong working knowledge of DCI and transport technologies. Familiarity with GPU/TPU/NPU platforms and their architectural impact on optical I/O. Broad understanding of optical interconnect technologies: PAM4, CPO, optical circuit switching, advanced transceivers. Exceptional communication skills with the ability to operate credibly at both engineering and senior customer levels. Systems thinker: able to integrate signals across hardware, software, packaging, power, and photonics into a clear perspective. Working Conditions
This position is onsite/Hybrid May require occasional off-site meetings or travel Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job Physical Requirements
Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings. Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents. Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks. Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards. Quality And Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System. Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.: Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust; Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas; Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome; Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone; Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work. Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact talentacquisition@coherent.com. About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It’s an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
#J-18808-Ljbffr