Job Overview

Position Summary
The Program Manager, Optical Connectivity is responsible for driving planning, execution, and delivery of new optical connectivity products supporting AI / hyperscale customers and ecosystem partners. This role coordinates cross-functional execution from customer requirements and product development through prototype builds, NPI, validation, qualification, and production readiness. The Program Manager will connect Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Quality, Operations, Finance, and customer-facing teams to translate opportunity into executable plans and measurable results. This role requires a hands-on program leader who can operate with speed, curiosity, and ownership in a fast-changing environment; learn optical and fiber technologies quickly; identify risks early; and drive actions to closure without waiting for detailed direction.

Location & Work Model
This is an onsite role based in the Rochester, NY area. Operations are currently based at the Webster, NY site and are expected to transition to the permanent Rochester location. Regular onsite presence is required to support product development, NPI builds, validation, manufacturing readiness, and cross-functional execution.

Job Requirements

•    Lead planning and execution for assigned optical connectivity programs from concept / pre-sale through product development, NPI, validation, qualification, and production readiness.
•    Build and maintain integrated program schedules covering customer milestones, engineering deliverables, material readiness, prototype and sample builds, testing, validation, qualification, and manufacturing release.
•    Translate customer requirements and product priorities into clear internal execution plans, milestones, deliverables, owners, and decision points.
•    Drive cross-functional alignment across Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Quality, Finance, Operations, and customer-facing teams.
•    Coordinate NPI and engineering sample readiness, including design maturity, fiber and optical component availability, tooling, build readiness, testing, and customer delivery.
•    Manage dependencies across product design, fiber / optical components, process development, tooling, suppliers, validation, and manufacturing readiness.
•    Maintain a clear program plan of record covering scope, schedule, deliverables, risks, dependencies, changes, and key decisions through concise dashboards.
•    Proactively identify technical, schedule, resource, supply chain, validation, and customer risks; drive mitigation plans, recovery actions, and timely escalation.
•    Facilitate effective program reviews and working sessions focused on decisions, actions, blockers, tradeoffs, and next steps.
•    Connect customer milestones with internal sample readiness, validation, qualification, and manufacturing readiness plans.
•    Apply Agile principles where appropriate to support rapid learning, iteration, parallel-path execution, and fast decision-making.
•    Provide clear, concise, fact-based updates to working teams, leadership, and customer-facing stakeholders.

What your background should look like

•    Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field required; Engineering or other technical background is a plus.
•    8+ years of experience in program management, technical program management, NPI, product development, engineering, operations, or related roles.
•    Demonstrated NPI experience taking complex hardware products from development through prototype / sample builds, validation, qualification, and production readiness.
•    Experience with fiber optics, optical connectivity, fiber assemblies, photonics, high-speed interconnect, or related optical technologies strongly preferred.
•    Experience in a technical or operational role supporting complex hardware development or manufacturing is highly valued.
•    Experience working directly with Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Quality, Operations, and customer-facing teams.
•    Proven track record of driving cross-functional teams to deliver measurable results, not simply documenting status or meeting notes.
•    Hands-on experience with Microsoft Project or commercial program management tools such as Asana, Smartsheet, Jira, Planisware, or equivalent.
•    Familiarity with Agile methodology, Scrum, Kanban, or iterative development practices preferred.
•    Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment with shifting priorities and aggressive customer timelines.
•    Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Competencies