Sales Engineer

About the job

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Photon Kinetics is the world’s trusted standard in optical fiber testing and measurement solutions. For more than 40 years, our instruments have helped fiber and cable manufacturers deliver the performance that enables high-speed communication networks around the globe. 95% of the world’s optical fiber has been tested using our equipment.

As the world moves deeper into AI-driven computing and hyperscale data centers, the demand for precise measurement and reliable optical infrastructure continues to grow. Photon Kinetics is applying its expertise in measurement science, automation, and precision systems to help build the connectivity backbone that powers the next generation of data and AI technologies.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Americas Sales Manager is responsible for developing and executing the order plan across the Americas region - a critical market for Photon Kinetics encompassing North America, Central America, and South America. You will drive regional revenue performance, manage direct and indirect sales channels, and represent the perspective of Americas customers within the company.

This role requires someone who understands the fiber optic and photonics industry, builds strong relationships with technical buyers, and can translate market intelligence into actionable product and sales strategy. You will lead regional staff and representatives while collaborating closely with Engineering, Applications, Technical Support, and Marketing at headquarters.

Strong preference for candidate located local to Beaverton, OR. Remote candidates considered.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales Strategy & Execution

• Develop regional sales plans with clear strategic and tactical targets aligned to corporate objectives
• Achieve order plan targets through a balanced mix of direct sales and indirect channel partners
• Provide accurate, timely order forecasts to corporate leadership
• Identify and pursue opportunities with both active buyers and passive prospects across the fiber, cable, and component manufacturing landscape

Customer & Channel Management

• Build and maintain relationships with executives and engineers at strategic customer accounts throughout the Americas
• Manage and support appointed regional representatives and distribution partners to ensure effective market coverage
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key accounts, providing technical credibility and commercial responsiveness

Market Intelligence & Product Direction

• Provide input into new product direction based on direct customer feedback and observations of the Americas marketplace
• Participate with senior leadership in establishing strategic plans and corporate objectives
• Monitor competitive activity and industry trends to inform pricing, positioning, and product development

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Applications Engineering, Technical Support, and Order Administration to ensure seamless customer experience
• Coordinate with Marketing on regional campaigns, trade shows, and customer engagement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all company quality policies, procedures, and work instructions

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• BS in physics, EE, optics or equivalent combination of technical education and industry experience
• 3 years of sales management experience, including leading regional teams and channel partners
• 5 years of experience in the photonics, fiber optic, or optical communications industry
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and executive audiences
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% of the time, primarily within the Americas region. Typical travel is 25%.

Candidates earlier in their careers with a strong technical foundation in optics, photonics, or fiber optics and demonstrated sales aptitude are encouraged to apply. We are willing to invest in developing the right person.

Preferred

• Experience selling capital equipment or precision instrumentation to manufacturing environments
• Established relationships with fiber and cable manufacturers in the Americas region
• Familiarity with Photon Kinetics products or comparable optical test and measurement systems
• Experience working in or closely with a headquarters-based product organization from a remote or regional office
• Proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese is a strong advantage

TOP 3 OUTCOMES IN YEAR 1

1-Achieve the Americas Regional Order Plan

Develop and execute strategic and tactical sales plans that meet or exceed annual order targets across the region. Build pipeline visibility through accurate forecasting and disciplined account management.

2-Strengthen Key Customer and Channel Relationships

Deepen engagement with strategic accounts and appointed representatives across the Americas region. Establish Photon Kinetics as the preferred partner through consistent technical credibility and responsive service.

3-Deliver Actionable Market Intelligence

Provide leadership with clear, data-driven insight into Americas market trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging customer needs—especially around next-generation fiber applications and AI/datacenter growth—to inform product roadmap and go-to-market decisions.

WHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENT

• Direct ownership of a strategically critical region with significant growth opportunity driven by AI and datacenter expansion
• Close collaboration with senior leadership—your market intelligence directly shapes product and business decisions
• Represent the global standard in optical fiber testing—95% of the world’s fiber is tested on PK equipment
• A company with 40 years of technical reputation where relationships and expertise are valued over transactional selling

WHY JOIN PHOTON KINETICS

You’ll work on technologies that enable the next wave of AI and data center innovation. At Photon Kinetics, you’ll join a highly skilled, collaborative team where your contributions directly impact the products and relationships that connect the world. You’ll have visibility and influence in a company recognized globally for engineering excellence, precision, and trusted performance. We value different perspectives and problem-solving approaches. The best solutions come from teams that think differently.