Electro Optical Software Product Manager
Synopsys
This position requires access to or use of information which is subject to export restrictions, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants for this position must be “U.S. Persons” within the meaning of the ITAR. “U.S. Persons” include U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (i.e. 'Green Card Holders'), Political Asylees, Refugees or other protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)
We Are:
At Synopsys, we drive the innovations that shape the way we live and connect. Our technology is central to the Era of Pervasive Intelligence, from self-driving cars to learning machines. We lead in chip design, verification, and IP integration, empowering the creation of high-performance silicon chips and software content. Our Optical Solutions Group (OSG) develops advanced tools for photonics and electro-optical device design, powering innovation across industries such as communications, automotive, and consumer electronics. Join us to transform the future through continuous technological innovation.
You Are:
You are a visionary and technically savvy product leader with a deep understanding of optical and electro-optical systems. With a background in physics, electrical engineering, optics, or optical engineering, you have hands-on experience designing and manufacturing electro-optical devices and thrive at the intersection of technology and market needs. You are passionate about translating complex customer requirements into actionable product features and excel at collaborating with cross-functional teams, including software developers, marketing, and sales. Your knowledge of EM solver software (including FDTD, RCWA, and beam propagation tools) is complemented by your ability to grasp emerging trends in AI, solid modeling, and photonics.
You are comfortable engaging with customers, gathering feedback, and participating in industry events to keep your finger on the pulse of market evolution. You are equally adept at crafting technical marketing materials and supporting the sales process as you are at guiding agile software development cycles. Your communication skills are top-notch, enabling you to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences, and you thrive in a fast-paced, global environment. Travel excites you as an opportunity to build relationships and champion Synopsys’ optical solutions worldwide. Your curiosity, adaptability, and drive for continuous learning make you a valued team member and a catalyst for innovation.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Co-author and review technical marketing materials, including product descriptions, competitive analyses, ads, white papers, and web content for the Optical Solutions Group.
- Participate in industry events and conferences to represent Synopsys and stay current with optical technology trends.
- Engage in strategic product planning, requirements generation, and roadmap development in close collaboration with R&D teams.
- Support agile software development activities, including planning meetings, bug triage, test prioritization, and feature acceptance testing.
- Manage alpha and beta programs by recruiting users, collecting feedback, and synthesizing results to shape future product releases.
- Work with external partners—such as glass manufacturers, model providers, and embedded catalog vendors—to enhance product capabilities.
- Analyze and validate product packaging and pricing through customer feedback and competitive intelligence.
- Support sales, distributors, and customer engagements through on-site visits, tradeshows, user group meetings, and technical presentations.
- Contribute to professional development by attending technical sessions, taking relevant courses, and building strong team relationships.
The Impact You Will Have:
- Drive the evolution of Synopsys’ optical design software portfolio, ensuring alignment with industry needs and technological advancements.
- Empower customers to innovate in areas such as sensors, transceivers, and photonic integrated circuits by delivering best-in-class design solutions.
- Enhance Synopsys’ market leadership through effective product positioning, compelling marketing, and robust customer engagement.
- Accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge simulation and modeling tools within the photonics and optics community.
- Facilitate seamless collaboration between R&D, sales, and marketing, leading to successful product launches and customer satisfaction.
- Strengthen Synopsys’ global presence by representing the company at key industry events and building strategic partnerships.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the Optical Solutions Group.
What You’ll Need:
- BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline with emphasis on electro-optics.
- 10+ years Electro Optical Design Experience
- 2+ years Product Management Experience
- Proven experience using EM solver software (e.g., FDTD, RCWA, diffraction-based, beam propagation tools) for EO device design.
- Background as an optical, electrical, or systems engineer in the design and manufacture of electro-optical devices (sensors, transceivers, PICs, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into product features and specifications.
- Hands-on experience collaborating with software development teams to define and communicate product requirements and use cases.
- Familiarity with AI systems, solid modeling, and photonics tools is a plus.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally for customer engagement, tradeshows, and team meetings.
Who You Are:
- Excellent communicator—able to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional, multicultural environments.
- Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and strong analytical skills.
- Resourceful, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous professional growth.
- Comfortable networking and building relationships across industry and academia.
The Team You’ll Be A Part Of:
You’ll join the Optical Solutions Group (OSG), a dynamic team of physicists, engineers, product managers, and software developers dedicated to advancing the state-of-the-art in photonics and optical design. The team’s core mission is to deliver innovative simulation and modeling tools that empower engineers and researchers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in optical technology. Collaboration, learning, and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do.
Rewards and Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits to cater to your needs. Our total rewards include both monetary and non-monetary offerings. Your recruiter will provide more details about the salary range and benefits during the hiring process.