Manager, Field Applications Engineering - Passive Optical Connectivity

Job Overview

Job Requirements

Team Leadership & Customer Engagement 

• FAE Team Management: Lead and develop a high-performing Field Applications Engineering team focused on passive optical connectivity solutions


• Customer Technical Leadership: Drive deep technical engagement with customers on Silicon Photonics, PIC coupling structures, and optical system architecture


• Strategic Positioning: Present and position TE's passive optical connectivity capabilities and competitive strengths to key customers and prospects


• Cross-functional Communication: Capture customer requirements and communicate insights to Product Management, Engineering, and System Architecture teams 

Advanced Technical Expertise & Application 

• Silicon Photonics Integration: Provide expert guidance on PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) coupling structures and fiber attachment unit (FAU) solutions


• Connector Technology Leadership: Deep technical support for Single-fiber, Multi-Fiber (MT Based), and Expanded Beam optical connector systems


• Optical Performance Analysis: Expert-level support for optical channel loss budgets, IL (Insertion Loss), RL (Return Loss), and optical lens performance optimization


• Polarization Management: Advanced technical guidance on polarization maintaining fiber applications and fusion splicing solutions 

Customer Solution Architecture 

• AI Architecture Understanding: Provide technical leadership in customer AI architectures, focusing on chip-to-chip optical signal chain optimization


• System Integration: Support customers in optical fiber performance optimization and connector performance validation


• Testing & Validation Support: Lead customer support for fiber optic inspection, cleaning, and testing methodologies


• Design Collaboration: Work with customers using 3D CAD tools (Creo, SolidWorks) for mechanical integration and optical system design

What your background should look like

• Education: BS/MS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field


• Experience: 10-15 years in optical systems, fiber optics, or photonics with 5+ years in customer-facing technical roles


• Leadership Experience: Proven track record leading technical teams and managing customer relationships


• Silicon Photonics Expertise: Deep understanding of silicon photonics technology and PIC coupling methodologies 

Core Technical Competencies

• Optical Systems: Expert knowledge of optical channel loss budgets, fiber performance characteristics, and connector performance parameters (IL, RL)


• Connector Technologies: Comprehensive understanding of passive fiber connector features including single-fiber, multi-fiber (MT based), and expanded beam optics


• Polarization Management: Experience with polarization maintaining fiber, fusion splicing, 


• Polarity Management: Mastery of fiber polarity management methods and fiber optic shuffle techniques


• Laser Systems: Understanding of laser power characteristics, performance parameters, and stability requirements


• Design Tools: Proficiency with 3D CAD systems (Creo, SolidWorks) for mechanical design and integration support 

Specialized Knowledge Areas 

• Fiber Optic Testing: Hands-on experience with fiber optic inspection, cleaning, and testing equipment and methodologies


• Optical Lens Performance: Understanding of optical lens pointing accuracy and return loss characteristics


• AI System Architecture: Solid foundation in customer AI architectures and chip-to-chip optical connectivity requirements


• Customer Engagement: Proven ability to capture customer needs and translate them into technical requirements 

Professional Skills 

• Customer Relationship Management: Excellence in building and maintaining strategic customer relationships 


• Technical Communication: Ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences from engineering to executive levels


• Team Leadership: Experience developing and mentoring technical professionals in customer-facing roles


• Project Coordination: Strong project management skills with ability to coordinate multiple customer engagements simultaneously 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Advanced Degree: MS/PhD in Optics, Photonics, or related field