Director of Strategy, Advanced Networking & Enterprise

Job Title

Director of Strategy, Advanced Networking & Enterprise

Role Summary

Lead strategy for Flex's Communications business unit focused on high-speed networking, optical transceivers, co-packaged optics, silicon photonics, smart NICs/DPUs, Satcom, and Enterprise AI platforms. Drive product and platform roadmaps, technology partnerships, and cross-functional execution to improve competitiveness across enterprise OEMs, storage, and cybersecurity.

This position can be based in San Jose, CA or Austin, TX and interfaces with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, customers, and ecosystem partners. Company benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, 401(k) match, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.

Experience Level

Senior — typically requires 5+ years of experience in optical networking, switch architecture, or silicon photonics; leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Own strategy, roadmaps, and cross-functional alignment for advanced connectivity and infrastructure products.

• Define roadmaps for high-speed networking, optical, and switching solutions aligned with customer requirements and industry standards (e.g., 800G/1.6T, co-packaged optics).
• Drive strategic partnerships and evaluate make-vs-partner approaches for optical and switch integration.
• Translate customer feedback, market trends, and technology roadmaps into product requirements and platform architectures.
• Collaborate with engineering, R&D, manufacturing, supply chain, sales, and marketing to ensure manufacturability and product-market fit.
• Perform market and competitive analysis to identify strategic opportunities and threats.
• Engage directly with communications and enterprise customers to gather insights and validate strategies.
• Monitor adoption, revenue, gross margin, and customer satisfaction metrics.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience for success in this role. Education requirements are listed separately below.

• 5+ years in optical networking, switch architecture, or silicon photonics within data center, networking, or semiconductor industries.
• Proven track record developing or managing optical modules, transceivers, or photonic integration strategies.
• Deep understanding of network architectures, including top-of-rack, spine-leaf, and optical circuit switching.
• Experience taking hardware products from ideation through launch and sustaining.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technology insights into business strategy and drive execution across large, matrixed organizations.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using data to support product decisions and trade-offs.
• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills.
• Familiarity with open-source frameworks (e.g., OCP, SONiC) and regulatory environments related to IT infrastructure.
• Ability to collaborate across global engineering, operations, and commercial teams.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline required; Master’s or PhD preferred.

About the Company

Company: Flex

Headquarters: San Jose, California, USA

Flex is a leading diversified manufacturing partner that collaborates with market-leading brands to design, build, and deliver innovative products, making a positive impact on the world. It offers an inclusive and collaborative work environment that promotes growth and career development for its employees.