Product Manager Photonics​/Optical Networking

HR On Demand (HROD) is a Texas-based, full-service HR partner helping global companies establish and grow their U.S. operations. We provide end-to-end HR solutions — from talent acquisition and payroll to compliance, employee relations, and organizational development. Backed by Fortune 500 HR leadership experience, we help businesses build compliant, high-performing teams and navigate the complexities of the U.S. market with confidence.

We're posting this role on behalf of our client, a leader in robotics and intelligent optical systems.

The Product Manager will lead the product strategy, roadmap, and lifecycle management for Robo Optic's optical transceiver portfolio. This role sits at the intersection of technology, market intelligence, and cross-functional execution — translating customer requirements and market trends into product decisions that drive competitive differentiation and revenue growth. The ideal candidate brings hands-on optical transceiver or photonics product experience, a deep understanding of hyperscale and AI infrastructure markets, and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and Taiwan-based leadership.

• Define and own the product roadmap for Robo Optic's optical transceiver portfolio — 400G, 800G, and 1.6T module families — aligned with market trends and customer requirements
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis; monitor industry standards (IEEE 802.3, MSA, CMIS, OIF) to keep product direction relevant and forward-looking
• Define product positioning, differentiation, and go-to-market strategy for hyperscaler, data center, and telecom customer segments

• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing to define PRDs, technical specifications, and NPI milestones; collaborate with Taiwan-based R&D on development timelines and qualification readiness
• Support Sales and Business Development with customer engagements, RFQ responses, and technical pre-sales discussions
• Track product performance — yield, field return rates, customer satisfaction — and drive continuous improvement with quality and operations teams
• Serve as the primary product expert in customer meetings and industry events; gather voice-of-customer (VOC) insights to shape product prioritization
• Develop and maintain product documentation including datasheets, application notes, qualification reports, and customer-facing collateral

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• 5–10+ years of product management or technical marketing experience in optical communications, photonics, or networking hardware
• Solid understanding of optical transceiver technology — modulation formats (NRZ, PAM4), form factors (QSFP-DD, OSFP, CPO), and test methodologies (BER, Eye Diagram, TDECQ)
• Experience supporting NPI and customer qualification processes in a manufacturing environment
• Strong analytical and communication skills — able to engage both technical and business audiences with equal confidence

• Experience with 400G, 800G, or 1.6T optical transceiver products and hyperscale/AI infrastructure customer requirements
• Mandarin proficiency — a significant plus given Robo Optic's Taiwan-based leadership and R&D team
• Hands-on technical background in optical testing (BERT, OSA, Eye Diagram) or transceiver manufacturing
• Experience with CPO or silicon photonics product development