Engineering Success

OPTICAL MANUFACTURING PROCESS ENGINEERING MANAGER

A global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider at the forefront of next-generation AI server and high-speed communication hardware. The organisation is among the first globally to bring 3rd-generation co-packaged optics (CPO) to mass production, with operations spanning cleanroom production facilities across Japan, Thailand, and North America.

Laem Chabang, Thailand | Reports to: Senior Director, Engineering

ROLE PURPOSE

Serve as the organisation's resident optical subject matter expert, providing deep technical leadership across the full product lifecycle for advanced fibre optic and CPO products. This is a hands-on technical authority role — the go-to optical knowledge resource for the engineering organisation — leading cross-functional teams across multiple geographies through influence rather than direct line management. The position bridges optical theory with manufacturing reality for products where specifications are still being co-developed with customers and suppliers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Optical Technical Leadership

- Act as the primary optical SME within the engineering organisation, providing expert guidance on optical theory, systems architecture, and component-level design decisions

- Transfer optical knowledge across engineering teams, upskilling colleagues on fibre optic principles, measurement techniques, and process parameters

- Serve as the technical anchor in discussions with customers, suppliers, and internal design teams, holding ground on optical fundamentals with senior technical stakeholders

- Provide technical evaluation and Q&A support for new optical components and technologies being introduced to the production environment

Process Development & Innovation

- Develop and establish manufacturing processes for novel optical products where clear specifications and production criteria do not yet exist, co-creating standards alongside customers and suppliers

- Drive process setup for advanced CPO assemblies integrated with next-generation ASICs, including fibre array unit (FAU) component integration

- Own process strategy for traditional optical component assembly: transceivers, receivers, fibre alignment (active and passive), clean inspection, and particle connectors

- Pioneer new manufacturing approaches with an engineering-first mindset in a "write the recipe" environment, not a "follow the recipe" one

NPI & Cross-Functional Programme Leadership

- Lead cross-functional NPI teams spanning engineering, operations, supply chain, and external partners across Japan, Thailand, and Toronto, driving alignment through technical authority

- Provide critical technical architecture inputs for customer RFIs and RFQs, translating optical requirements into manufacturing feasibility assessments

- Work directly with customers and suppliers to define product specifications, test criteria, and process parameters during early-stage product development

- Proactively identify risks in optical and CPO design that may affect production scalability and formulate mitigation strategies

Equipment & Validation

- Evaluate and guide selection of optical manufacturing and inspection equipment (connector inspection, cleaning, polishing, fusion splicing) across multiple connector types (FC, SC, LC, MPO, MMC, expanded beam optics)

- Define qualification standards for new equipment, testers, and automated machines

- Develop systemic debug methodologies and failure analysis techniques for optical assemblies

- Apply statistical techniques (DOE, SPC) to drive data-driven process decisions and yield improvement

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

- Education: Bachelor's degree or above in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electronic Engineering, Microelectronics, Communication Engineering, or related discipline

- Experience: 5+ years hands-on in fibre optics engineering within product development, R&D, or advanced manufacturing; demonstrated ability to develop processes for new or novel products, not solely production transfer or established-line maintenance

- Technical (Essential): Deep understanding of optical theory and systems architecture; hands-on experience with traditional optical components (transceivers, receivers, fibre alignment, clean inspection, optical connectors); familiarity with fibre optic and electrical measurement equipment including optical insertion loss testing; proficiency with DOE methodology and structured problem-solving

- Technical (Highly Desirable): Experience with fibre array unit (FAU) components; exposure to co-packaged optics (CPO) or silicon photonics product development; knowledge of PCBA/SMT processes as they relate to optical module integration; DFM methodology applied to optical or photonic products

- Leadership: Proven ability to lead cross-functional and international teams through technical influence without direct reporting authority; comfortable operating as the sole optical expert in a multidisciplinary engineering group

- Language: Strong English communication skills required (daily cross-functional work across Japan, Thailand, and North America)

- Industry: Server, switch, high-speed communication equipment, or optical component manufacturing preferred; strong optical fundamentals may substitute for direct sector experience

About The Company

Our client is a global leader in industrial automation and advanced processing solutions, serving high-demand industries worldwide. With a portfolio of specialised operating companies, they support producers and processors across the food value chain to enhance productivity, safety, efficiency, and overall operational performance.

The Southeast Asia (SEA) headquarters, based in Thailand, is entering a high-growth phase. To support this expansion, the company is seeking an experienced and strategic Commercial Director to strengthen customer and partner relationships and accelerate market growth for the Food Solutions Division across the region.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will lead regional revenue growth, define and execute go-to-market strategies, and manage key partner and customer relationships across Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the wider SEA region.

This role is ideal for a commercially driven leader with deep knowledge of protein processing solutions and the ability to operate across complex, multicultural environments.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Sales Leadership & Market Development

• Develop multi-year GTM strategies for each market and business line
• Set and deliver annual sales and profitability targets
• Identify and seize emerging commercial opportunities
• Foster a high-performance sales culture across direct teams and channel partners

2. Partner Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with regional distributors and partners
• Enhance partner capability through training and competitive product positioning
• Support partners in removing operational barriers to growth
• Monitor partner sales funnels and co-develop sales strategies
• Drive cross-selling and integrated solution opportunities across the portfolio
• Ensure consistent partner performance reporting

3. Key Global Account Management

• Promote the company’s brands and full solutions portfolio to global customers in SEA
• Lead high-value negotiations and manage complex, multi-stakeholder opportunities
• Ensure seamless customer experience and long-term relationship development
• Coordinate with global account management teams to align strategy and execution

4. Revenue Management & Forecasting

• Own sales performance, pipeline accuracy, and forecasting across all markets
• Provide inputs for budgeting and sales expense planning
• Deliver monthly and quarterly sales updates with clear analysis and recommendations
• Maintain strong alignment with regional and global sales leadership

5. Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build, lead, and mentor the regional sales team
• Promote best practices, accountability, and strong internal collaboration
• Partner closely with Aftermarket teams to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business
• Work with Finance and HR to maintain operational discipline and team stability

6. Market Intelligence

• Track market trends, competitor activity, and shifts in customer needs
• Recommend adjustments to GTM strategy, pricing, product offerings, and service models
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and customer engagements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, or Marketing; Engineering + MBA preferred
• 10–15 years of commercial leadership experience in protein processing equipment or related industries
• Deep understanding of the protein processing value chain and secondary/further processing technology
• Proven track record in regional sales leadership across Southeast Asia
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Fluent in Thai and English; additional regional languages a plus
• Willingness to travel up to 60% across SEA, with occasional international travel
• Thai driver’s license preferred