Application Engineering Manager

Application Engineering ManagerDivision: Optical CommunicationAs the industry's leader in fiber optic interconnects, SENKO is relentlessly pushing the boundaries of technology. Our dynamic and fast-paced environment fosters a culture of creativity and collaboration, where your ideas can thrive. We partner with the world's most renowned technology giants, shaping the future of connectivity together.At SENKO, you'll be part of a team that's passionate about innovation and dedicated to making a global impact. If you're ready to take your career to the next level and be at the forefront of technological advancements, SENKO is the place for you.The Application Engineering Manager is responsible for leading SENKO's Applications Engineering function and serving as the technical bridge between customers, Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Sales. This role drives customer success through technical leadership, training, application support, testing and validation, new product introductions, and solution development.The Application Engineering Manager leads a team of application engineers and technicians while providing strategic technical direction for fiber optic connectivity solutions across data center, telecommunications, enterprise, hyperscale, AI/HPC, broadband, and emerging optical network applications. The position plays a critical role in translating customer requirements into successful products, accelerating product adoption, and strengthening SENKO's reputation as a trusted technical leader within the fiber optic industry.Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.Lead, mentor, and develop the Applications Engineering team, establishing priorities, technical standards, training programs, career development plans, and performance objectives while fostering a culture of customer success, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.Serve as SENKO's technical authority for fiber optic connectivity solutions, providing guidance to customers, distributors, sales teams, and internal stakeholders on product selection, implementation, application support, testing, troubleshooting, and deployment best practices.Act as the primary escalation point for complex customer application, technical, and product performance issues, working closely with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to drive timely resolution.Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, partners, industry organizations, and key stakeholders while serving as the Voice of the Customer by identifying market trends, application challenges, competitive threats, and product improvement opportunities.Lead customer engagements including technical presentations, workshops, demonstrations, factory audits, training events, production evaluations, and strategic account support to strengthen customer confidence and drive business growth.Evaluate customer requirements and application needs, determining the technical and commercial feasibility of proposed solutions and translating customer requirements into actionable product and engineering recommendations.Lead the technical aspects of New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI), partnering with Product Management, R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to ensure customer requirements are successfully translated into product specifications and commercial solutions.Oversee product testing, validation, benchmarking, customer qualification, field trials, and prototype evaluations while establishing testing methodologies and continually improving laboratory capabilities and technical processes.Develop, maintain, and approve technical documentation including Application Notes, White Papers, Engineering Guides, Engineering Procedures, Product Specifications, Validation Reports, and other customer-facing technical content while ensuring accuracy and alignment with industry best practices.Partner with Product Management to support product strategy, market analysis, product positioning, commercialization activities, and future product roadmap decisions through application, technical, and customer feedback.Collaborate with Sales, Business Development, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Operations teams to support customer proposals, technical solution development, product launches, training programs, and successful transitions from development through production.Monitor emerging technologies, industry standards, market trends, and competitive solutions to identify new applications, growth opportunities, and future technology investments for SENKO.Represent SENKO at customer meetings, trade shows, conferences, standards committees, industry forums, and technical events, promoting SENKO's technical leadership and strengthening market presence.RequirementsSkills:Oral and Written Communication SkillsProfessionalismDecision Making SkillsMulti-taskingComputer Literacy / MS OfficeLeadership SkillsSalesmanshipDiplomacyNegotiationsPresentation SkillsInterpret 3-D CAD drawingsCreativity & Analytical skillsMath SkillsGD & T knowledgeMechanical SkillsProblem-solving skillsTechnical writing skillsPeople ManagementProduct Management & DevelopmentUnderstanding the CustomerRequirements AnalysisOrganization & Time ManagementQualifications:Bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering requiredMinimum 7 years of experience in fiber optic connectivity, passive optical components, telecommunications, data communications, or related technical fieldsMinimum 3 years of leadership or project leadership experienceStrong understanding of:Fiber opticsConnector technologiesCable assembliesTesting and measurement systemsManufacturing and validation processesAbility to travel domestically and internationally up to 40% requiredProficient with computer skills including all MS Office software programs requiredMust have basic understanding of 3-D CAD drawings, models, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)Experience working with global cross-functional teams preferredR&D experience preferredBenefits Offered:Discretionary BonusMedicalDentalVisionDependent Care FSAVoluntary Life, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance401KLegal ServicesPet InsuranceFinancial Wellness12 Paid Company Holidays per calendar year2 Floating HolidaysPTOSick timeEducational Assistance ProgramEEO Statement:SENKO Advanced Components, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law (such as cancer), reproductive health decision making, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. SENKO Advanced Components, Inc.'s management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.The Company will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee related to an individual's: physical or mental disability; sincerely held religious beliefs and practices; needs as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking; needs related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and/or any other reason required by applicable law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship upon the Company's business operations. Any applicant or employee who needs an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job should contact the Head of Human Resources to request such an accommodation. The individual should specify what accommodation is needed to perform the job and submit supporting documentation explaining the basis for the requested accommodation, to the extent permitted and in accordance with applicable law. The Company will review and analyze the request, including engaging in an interactive process with the employee or applicant, to identify if such an accommodation can be made. The Company will evaluate requested accommodations, and as appropriate identify other possible accommodations, if any. The individual will be notified of the Company's decision within a reasonable period. The Company treats all medical information submitted as part of the accommodation process in a confidential manner.Any employees with questions or concerns about equal