Careers

Sales Engineer

Sales | Beaverton, Oregon, US | Permanent Full-Time, Exempt

Travel: Up to 50% internationally. Typical travel is 25%.

About Photon Kinetics

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 Sales Engineer provides technical sales leadership in support of Photon Kinetics' global sales organization. Working across regions as needed, you will partner with regional sales managers, representatives, and distribution partners to win new business, drive order growth, and bring the voice of the customer back to the company. This role requires someone who understands the fiber optic and photonics industry, builds strong relationships with technical buyers, and can translate customer requirements and market intelligence into winning solutions and actionable product direction. You will serve as a technical bridge between customers worldwide and Engineering, Applications, Technical Support, and Marketing at headquarters. 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. This is a high-visibility role with direct influence on product direction and business strategy at a company whose equipment has tested 95% of the world's optical fiber.

What You Will Achieve in Year One

Drive Technical Wins That Support the Global Order Plan: Partner with regional sales teams and channel partners to qualify opportunities, lead technical discussions, and deliver demonstrations and proposals that convert pipeline into orders. Contribute to accurate forecasting through clear technical assessment of opportunities.
Strengthen Key Customer and Channel Relationships: Deepen technical engagement with strategic accounts and appointed representatives worldwide. Establish Photon Kinetics as the preferred partner through consistent technical credibility and responsive service.
Deliver Actionable Market Intelligence: Provide leadership with clear, data-driven insight into global 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.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Strategy & Execution

Support regional sales plans with technical strategy aligned to corporate objectives
Contribute to order plan achievement by supporting both direct sales and indirect channel partners
Provide technical input on opportunity status to support accurate, timely order forecasts
Identify and pursue opportunities with both active buyers and passive prospects across the fiber, cable, and component manufacturing landscape
Lead product demonstrations, technical presentations, and solution proposals tailored to customer requirements

Customer & Channel Management

Build and maintain relationships with executives and engineers at strategic customer accounts worldwide
Train and support appointed representatives and distribution partners so they can cover the market effectively
Serve as a technical 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 global 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 campaigns, trade shows, technical content, and customer engagement initiatives
Ensure compliance with all company quality policies, procedures, and work instructions

Required Qualifications

BS in physics, EE, optics, or equivalent combination of technical education and industry experience
3+ years of experience in sales engineering, technical sales, or applications engineering, including working with 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 internationally up to 50% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

Experience selling capital equipment or precision instrumentation to manufacturing environments
Established relationships with fiber and cable manufacturers
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 a second language (e.g., Spanish, Portuguese, or Mandarin)

Why This Role Is Different

Global scope: work with customers and partners worldwide at a time of significant growth driven by AI and datacenter expansion
Close collaboration with senior leadership, so 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.