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Sr. Director of Product - Optical Interconnects

AvicenaTech

AvicenaTech

Product
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
Posted on Jul 18, 2025

Avicena is a privately held company developing microLED based ultra-low power high bandwidth interconnects for chip-to-chip communications. This technology will revolutionize High-Performance (HPC) and Cloud computing, as well as other industries where low power interconnects are critical like camera sensors, autonomous vehicles, and aerospace. Avicena is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with a development center in Edinburgh, Scotland. The company was founded in 2019 by leading technologists from the optical networking industry with a track record of delivering breakthrough products. (www.avicena.tech)

About the role:

Dynamic and results-driven technology executive with over 15 years of experience in product leadership within the optical interconnect, semiconductor, and integrated circuits (IC) industry. Proven track record in driving product strategy, roadmap development, and cross-functional execution for analog, digital, mixed-signal, and SoC solutions. Adept at balancing technical depth with market insight to deliver innovative, high-margin products that meet complex customer requirements across communications, industrial and automotive markets.

Combines strong business acumen with engineering expertise to align product development with customer needs and market trends. Skilled in building and mentoring high-performance product management teams, leading global cross-functional initiatives, and managing multi-million-dollar product portfolios from concept to end-of-life.

Core Competencies:

  • Optical interconnect and/or Communication IC Product Strategy & Roadmap
  • Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) including Profit & Loss (P&L)
  • Go-to-Market Strategy & Execution
  • Cross-functional Team Leadership
  • Market & Competitive Analysis
  • Customer & Partner Engagement
  • Optical interconnects, ASIC, SoC, Mixed-Signal, RF, Analog & Digital ICs
  • Yield, Cost, and Time-to-Market Optimization
  • IP Licensing and Ecosystem Partnerships

Key Achievements:

  • Led the transformation of the product management organization, improving time-to-market and aligning product roadmaps with tier-1 customer roadmaps.
  • Negotiated strategic partnerships with foundries and IP vendors to secure critical technology access and drive relentless BOM cost reductions.
  • Introduced advanced analytics into the product planning process, increasing forecast accuracy and reducing NPI risk.

Technical & Market Expertise:

  • Deep knowledge of optical communications, CMOS process technologies, EDA flows, and IC design tradeoffs.
  • Experience with communications (IEEE, OIF, QSFP/OSFP), IC, industrial (IEC 61508), and automotive (ASIL, ISO 26262) standards.
  • Knowledge in optical communication modules, global semiconductor supply chain dynamics and market cycles.

Education:

  • MS Optical, Electrical Engineering, VLSI Design, CS
  • BS Optical or Electrical Engineering
  • MBA and/or Technology Management a plus

Professional Affiliations:

  • Membership in Optica, IEEE
  • Frequent Speaker/Panelist at industry events