Josh Brookshire

About Josh Brookshire

Product development and engineering have defined my career — but building and leading winning teams is my passion. Whether in the lab, in the field, or on the baseball diamond, I believe success is earned through discipline, collaboration, and persistence.I began my journey as an engineer and athlete, learning that consistent effort and teamwork drive lasting results. That mindset has guided my career leading engineering and product development organizations at technology leaders such as Cisco, ARRIS, and CommScope — and now as Senior Director of Engineering at Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI), where I oversee innovation in next-generation broadband and optical communication solutions.At AOI, I lead global teams developing LoRaWAN-based transponders, AI-enabled cable network management systems, and DOCSIS 4.0 amplifier technologies that are transforming how broadband providers monitor and optimize network performance. Under my leadership, the CATV business has achieved record revenue growth and expanded its product portfolio to support the industry’s transition toward intelligent, software-driven hybrid fiber-coax networks.My leadership philosophy is simple:Lead through people. Great leaders don’t manage — they coach, mentor, and empower teams to achieve more than they thought possible.Persist with purpose. Winning is the result of daily habits, grit, and a focus on continuous improvement — both in products and people.Communicate with clarity. Bridging engineering, operations, and business strategy ensures innovation translates into customer and market success.Core Expertise:Product Development • Engineering Leadership • AI & IoT Systems • LoRaWAN & Network Telemetry • New Product Introduction (NPI) • P&L & Program Management • Broadband Access & CATV Technology • RF Design & Optical Systems • Agile / Scrum Leadership • Strategic Partnerships

Experience

1. Senior Director of Engineering

   AOI

   Nov 2023 — Present · Duluth, GA, US

   As Senior Director of Engineering for the CATV business at Applied Optoelectronics, I lead engineering, product development, and technology strategy for AOI’s hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) and broadband network solutions. My work focuses on driving innovation in next-generation amplifier technology, software integration, and operational intelligence — all contributing to record growth and profitability in the cable segment.Key Accomplishments & Contributions:LoRaWAN Transponder Integration: Directed the development and deployment of LoRaWAN-based transponders within AOI’s amplifier platforms, enabling remote monitoring, telemetry, and diagnostics that significantly reduced truck rolls and improved network uptime.AI-Enabled Network Intelligence: Spearheaded engineering efforts behind AI-driven modules in AOI’s QuantumLink™ HFC Remote Management System, enhancing predictive maintenance, fault detection, and network performance analytics for major cable operators.Record Revenue Growth: Under my leadership, the CATV business achieved its highest revenue levels in company history, with double- and triple-digit year-over-year growth across multiple quarters (2023–2025), supported by strong demand for 1.8 GHz amplifier and upgrade products.Product Line Expansion: Led cross-functional teams in the design, qualification, and scaling of next-generation CATV amplifiers, transponders, and headend systems to support DOCSIS 4.0 and AI-driven network architectures.Operational and Margin Improvements: Partnered with manufacturing and supply chain leadership to optimize product mix and production processes, contributing to margin expansion and improved profitability within the CATV segment.Strategic Partnerships: Collaborated with major North American cable operators and system integrators to align AOI’s technology roadmap with evolving broadband standards and customer needs.

Education

• Mercer University

  BSE, Electrical Engineering

• Georgia Institute of Technology

  MSECE, Optics/RF/Digital Comm

Skills

• Program Management
• International Customer Experience
• Hardware and Software Mangement Experience
• Systems Engineering
• Rf
• Engineering Management
• Product Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Integration
• Product Development
• Six Sigma
• Product Lifecycle Management
• Telecommunications
• Pcb Design
• Semiconductors
• Strategic Planning
• Product Design
• Product Launch
• Time to Market
• Coordinating Schedules
• Presentation Development
• Strategic Partnerships
• Manufacturing
• Competitive Analysis
• Electronics
• Radio Frequency (Rf)
• Wi-Fi