Director of Product Management - Datacenter Switches

Category (For Job Seekers)EngineeringLocationH8001 - HR Campus Corporate - San Jose, CA 95134 US (Primary)Job DescriptionViking Enterprise Solutions (VES) has a rich history of leadership in providing storage and storage server platforms to hyperscale and enterprise data centers worldwide. The division leads the market with ultra-high capacity and high-performance systems. Now VES provides advanced software solutions supporting ML/AI applications for generative and inferential AI in the data center and at the Edge. Software is at the heart of what makes VES a solutions provider. Cloud native systems are designed and built to simplify the use of tools and hardware so users get the job done quickly and efficiently. VES also designs and builds NVMe flash based server appliances, JBOD storage systems and related products for a variety of data center and storage applications. Viking Enterprise Solutions products are tailored for integration into OEM, System Integrator and data center products.​Viking Enterprise Solutions is proud to be part of the Sanmina family. Sanmina is recognized as a technology leader, providing end-to-end design, manufacturing and logistics solutions, maintaining a global footprint of design and manufacturing operations in 23 countries on six continents. Job Purpose:As the Product Manager for Datacenter Switches, you will own the product strategy, roadmap, and execution for Sanmina’s high-performance Ethernet and InfiniBand switching platforms. You will bridge the gap between our global hyperscale/enterprise customers, engineering teams, and supply chain partners. Your mission is to deliver cutting-edge, cost-optimized, and highly reliable switching solutions that power massive AI clusters and cloud datacenters.Nature of Duties/Responsibilities:Define the multi-year product vision, strategy, and roadmap for next-generation datacenter switches (e.g., 400G, 800G, and 1.6T platforms).Identify market trends, hardware-software disaggregation shifts (SONiC, ONIE), and emerging AI/ML networking requirements to position Sanmina ahead of the competition.Conduct competitive analysis and market research to identify gaps and new business.Translate customer requirements into detailed Product Requirement Documents (PRDs) and technical specifications for engineering teams.Collaborate closely with Joint Development Manufacturing (JDM) and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) partners, component suppliers (silicon, optics, connectors), and internal engineering.Manage the end-to-end product lifecycle from NPI (New Product Introduction) through mass production and End-of-Life (EOL).Partner with the sales and account management teams to support RFIs/RFPs and present product roadmaps to Tier-1 cloud service providers (CSPs) and enterprise clients.Own product pricing strategies, Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) optimization, and gross margin targets to ensure maximum profitability. Work with supply chain and manufacturing operations to ensure capacity planning aligns with demand forecasting.Education and Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. An MBA or equivalent business experience is highly desirable.Minimum 7+ years of Product Management, Systems Engineering, or Technical Marketing experience specifically in datacenter networking, switching, or routing hardware.Deep understanding of datacenter switch architecture, including network switching silicon (e.g., Broadcom, Marvell, NVIDIA/Mellanox), SerDes, and optical transceivers.Familiarity with open networking standards, disaggregated hardware/software systems, and NOS (Network Operating Systems) like SONiC.Strong knowledge of high-speed hardware design constraints, signal integrity, and thermal/power management in 1U/2U chassis.Proven track record of launching complex hardware products from concept to high-volume manufacturing.Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence both deeply technical engineers and C-level executives.Strong financial acumen, including experience with P&L management, pricing strategies, and supply chain negotiation.Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity EmployerSalary Range(annual): $200,000 - $230,000 Actual base pay within this range (determined at the offer stage) will be based on a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, and skills, and is just one element of our total rewards package. The total rewards package also includes a variety of benefits, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business and, depending on the role, may include eligibility for restricted stock unit awards and participation in a discretionary bonus program.