Director / Senior Director, System Applications Engineering

Location: San Jose, United States

Company

hirify.global is a high-growth, well-funded startup developing technology for next-generation AI infrastructure and high-speed optical interconnects.

What you will do

• Build, scale, and lead the system and applications engineering function supporting global customer deployments.
• Serve as the executive-level technical interface for key customers and shape system-level solutions and long-term partnerships.
• Oversee bring-up, validation, optimization, performance, reliability, and interoperability of optical links across AI networking platforms.
• Lead cross-functional debugging of issues spanning optical modules, DSPs, switches, and system architectures.
• Translate customer insights and field learnings into product, engineering, and go-to-market roadmap decisions.
• Oversee customer demonstrations, evaluations, proof-of-concepts, and design wins with AI infrastructure customers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in optical systems, networking, or high-speed interconnects, with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Deep expertise in optical transceivers, DSP architectures, and high-speed link performance and debugging.
• Strong understanding of AI networking systems, including 51.2T and next-generation switch architectures.
• Experience leading customer-facing engineering teams and delivering complex system deployments.
• Experience with 800G optical modules is required.

Nice to have

• Experience with 1.6T and next-generation optical systems.
• Background at a leading optical transceiver, networking systems, or hyperscale infrastructure company.
• Exceptional executive communication and the ability to influence technical and business stakeholders.
• Experience driving alignment across engineering, product, and commercial teams.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary and significant equity.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible time off policy.
• Opportunity to shape foundational technology for next-generation AI infrastructure.
• Collaborative, mission-driven, fast-paced, and innovative environment with significant leadership impact and career growth.