Technical Sales Engineer

This role bridges the gap between complex photonics technology and client needs, driving revenue by providing consultative technical solutions. You will lead pre-sales demonstrations, qualify RFQs, and manage design-in projects for semiconductor laser modules and photodetectors, collaborating directly with customers and internal R&D.

• Technical Consultation:
  Act as the primary technical subject matter expert, clearly articulating the performance, integration, and advantages of semiconductor laser modules and photodetectors to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Sales Cycle Management:
  Drive the full sales lifecycle from prospecting and lead qualification to RFQ preparation, technical proposals, and final contract negotiation.
• Customer
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with OEMs, integrators, and researchers to design-in components, ensuring hardware compatibility, optimal optical performance, and seamless system integration.
• Internal Coordination:
  Bridge the gap between customers and internal R&D, manufacturing, and application engineering teams to communicate specific customization needs and product feedback.
• Market & Product Expertise:
  Maintain up-to-date knowledge of competitive landscapes and industry trends (e.g., optical communications, sensing, AI clusters & data centers, medical tech).

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a closely related STEM field.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 2-5 years of technical experience in the photonics/semiconductor industry, with proven success in a technical sales, application engineering, or customer-facing business development role.
• Technical Domain Knowledge:
  Solid theoretical and practical understanding of optoelectronic devices, specifically semiconductor laser diodes, optical packaging, photodiode principles, and light detection.
• Communication & Sales
  
  Skills:
  
  Exceptional ability to translate complex scientific concepts into compelling business value propositions. Excellent presentation, written communication, and active listening skills.
• US person:
  This role will involve some certain opportunities associated with U.S. defense contractors. Thus, requirement is for US Citizens or US permanent residents.

• Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Pipedrive).
• Previous experience managing long lead-cycle OEM accounts and international business.
• Ortel will consider remote work for this role, with strong preference in Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, or Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan areas.