Director Strategy for Advanced Networking and Enterprise

Job Summary

The Director of Strategy for Advanced Networking and Enterprise will contribute to defining infrastructure solutions, products, and services roadmaps, focusing on high-speed networking, optical, switching, smart NICs/DPUs, Satcom, and Enterprise AI platforms. This role will shape Flex’s leadership across advanced connectivity domains, including optical transceivers, co-packaged optics, silicon photonics, smart NIC/DPU architectures, AI-driven infrastructure, storage systems, and secure networking platforms.

About the Role

This role is based in Austin, TX or San Jose, CA and involves defining the roadmap for high-speed networking, optical, and switches, aligning with customer requirements, hyperscaler trends, and emerging standards. It also includes leading the development of solutions aligned with Communications business objectives and key market trends, collaborating with engineering and R&D teams, and interfacing with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Define the roadmap for high speed networking, optical and switches, aligning with customer requirements, hyperscaler trends, and emerging standards (e.g., 800G/1.6T optics, co-packaged switch modules).
• Drive strategic partnerships to accelerate innovation and ensure competitive differentiation.
• Lead the development of solutions aligned with the Communications business objectives and key market trends.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D teams to define and develop solutions that meet evolving customer and industry needs.
• Translate customer feedback, market trends, and technology roadmaps into compelling product requirements.
• Work closely with sales, business development, and marketing to position products effectively and support customer engagement strategies.
• Perform market and competitive analysis to identify strategic opportunities and threats.
• Stay ahead of market and technology trends in silicon photonics, optical switching, Smart NICs, transceivers, and Satcom to inform investment and R&D priorities.
• Engage directly with communications and enterprise customers to gather insights and shape product strategies.
• Coordinate with supply chain and operations teams to ensure manufacturability, cost optimization, and high-quality delivery.
• Manage and monitor key metrics such as adoption, revenue, gross margin, and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in optical networking, switch architecture, or silicon photonics within data center, networking, and semiconductor industries.
• Proven track record in developing or managing optical modules, transceivers, or photonic integration strategies.
• Strong understanding of network architectures, including top-of-rack, spine-leaf, and optical circuit switching.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technology insights into business strategy and drive execution across large, matrixed organizations.
• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, and business development teams in a fast-moving global environment.
• Proven track record in bringing hardware products from ideation through launch and sustaining.
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to use data to support product decisions and trade-offs.
• Familiarity with open-source frameworks (e.g., OCP, SONiC) and regulatory environments related to IT infrastructure.
• Passion for innovation, sustainability, and building next-generation infrastructure solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in optical networking, switch architecture, or silicon photonics.
• Understanding of network architectures, including top-of-rack, spine-leaf, and optical circuit switching.
• Track record in developing or managing optical modules, transceivers, or photonic integration strategies.
• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills.
• Collaborative ability across engineering, operations, and business development teams.
• Experience in bringing hardware products from ideation through launch and sustaining.
• Familiarity with open-source frameworks and regulatory environments.
• Passion for innovation, sustainability, and infrastructure solutions.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Technical expertise in optical networking, switch architecture, or silicon photonics.
• Ability to translate technology insights into business strategy.
• Collaborative and cross-functional team management.
• Market and competitive analysis skills.
• Customer engagement and product strategy development.
• Supply chain and operations coordination.
• Data-driven decision making.
• Open-source framework knowledge.
• Sustainability and infrastructure solution passion.

Benefits

Flex offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Schedule

The role can be based in Austin, TX or San Jose, CA.