Staff Technical Program Manager (TPM)

Job description

Molex possesses a rich heritage in the optical industry. We provide the highest performing field-proven wavelength management solutions from components to modules and integrated line-cards. Continuous innovation in passive component function integration, miniaturization, and manufacturing automation, cutting edge WSS and amplifier technology and comprehensive optical, mechanical, electrical and software integration capabilities enable us to serve the needs of high-density, high-bandwidth, and flexible optical networks. The Staff Technical Program Manager (TPM) will lead cross-functional development programs across four strategic product areas: • High-speed opto-electronic devices, such as transceivers and transponders • DWDM systems, including WSS (wavelength selective switches) and EDFA (erbium-doped fiber amplifiers) • Optical component systems for DCI (data center interconnect) • OCS (optical circuit switch) systems This role combines strong program management discipline with a clear understanding of the business logic that connects upstream suppliers and technology partners (lasers, photonic ICs, optics, DSP/electronics, contract manufacturers) to downstream customers (hyperscalers, system OEMs, and network operators). The Staff TPM owns end-to-end program outcomes – scope, schedule, cost, quality, and customer commitments – while engaging technically across optical, mechanical, electrical, firmware/software, reliability, manufacturing, and supply chain teams. What You Will Do Lead complex, multi-product optoelectronic and optical-systems programs from concept and customer requirements through NPI, qualification, and volume manufacturing release Own the program business case and commercial alignment – translate customer demand, forecasts, and roadmap commitments into program scope, milestones, resourcing, and cost/margin targets Manage upstream dependencies, including component, laser, photonic IC, and subsystem suppliers, contract manufacturers, and external development partners: align supplier roadmaps, long-lead items, capacity, and qualification schedules to program needs Manage downstream dependencies, including customer engagement, sampling and qualification gates, design-win and ramp commitments, and field feedback; serve as the primary program interface to key customers and account teams Drive NPI execution across R&D, reliability, operations, quality, manufacturing, supply chain, and suppliers; maintain integrated program schedules, milestones, risks, and critical path across multiple concurrent programs Coordinate execution across global engineering and manufacturing teams, including internal sites and external partners Identify technical, operational, supply chain, and commercial risks early and drive mitigation plans to closure; manage change control, scope trade-offs, and escalations Facilitate data-driven decisions on design and trade-off discussions involving optical performance, power, thermal behavior, manufacturability, reliability, yield, lead time, and cost Conduct program and phase-gate reviews to ensure design maturity, qualification readiness, and manufacturing readiness Track qualification activities, including Telcordia GR-468/GR-1221, environmental stress testing, accelerated life testing, interoperability and system-level validation, and customer qualification requirements Present concise program, technical, and business status updates to executive leadership, customers, and partners Establish and improve program management processes, templates, and best practices across the organization; mentor other program managers and technical leads Who You Are (Basic Qualifications) Master’s degree required in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field 10+ years of technical program management, engineering program leadership, or systems engineering experience in a high-technology environment, with a record of delivering multiple complex programs from concept through volume production Demonstrated program management expertise: structured methodologies (e.g., stage-gate/NPI, PMP, Agile/hybrid), integrated scheduling, critical-path and risk management, budget and resource ownership, and executive reporting Strong understanding of the business logic of the optical networking value chain – upstream supply base and component ecosystem through downstream customers and end markets – including cost structure, margin, forecast-to-supply planning, lead times, and ramp management Technical background in high-speed optoelectronics, optical transceivers/transponders, DWDM line systems, optical amplifiers, wavelength management, or related optical networking technologies Experience managing suppliers, contract manufacturers, and external development partners, including contract, schedule, quality, and capacity management Experience engaging directly with customers (such as hyperscalers, system OEMs, or carriers) on requirements, roadmaps, qualification, and commercial commitments Solid understanding of the product development lifecycle, including prototyping, design verification, qualification, manufacturing transfer, and ramp Technically credible, highly organized, and execution-focused; comfortable driving difficult cross-functional discussions, challenging unsupported assumptions, and making clear trade-off decisions For this role, we anticipate paying $240,000 - $280,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form. At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy. Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here . Who We Are At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company. Our Benefits Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter. Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results. Equal Opportunities Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ). Apply now Share Email Facebook X LinkedIn