Sr. Photonics Engineer - Bring-up

Lightmatter; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in AI data center infrastructure is seeking a High-Speed Photonics Engineer. You will be involved in pioneering optical components for the next generation of computing, shaping the future while collaborating with leading scientists and engineers in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Care Plan

Retirement Savings Matching Program

Generous Time Off

Paid Family Leave

Flexible, hybrid workplace model

Equity grants

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in high-speed optical or photonics engineering.
• Deep expertise in silicon photonics and lab-based bring-up.
• Proficient in lab automation, data analysis, and result reporting with Python.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the bring-up and characterization of high-speed optical components.
• Design and execute electro-optic testing and debug plans.
• Analyze high-speed signal behavior to improve link quality.

Skills

Debugging

Data Analysis

RF Simulation

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering or Photonics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

BERTs

VNAs

DCAs

Lumerical

Cadence Spectre

Keysight ADS

HFSS

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.

Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!

If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.

Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light!

We are seeking a highly skilled High-Speed Photonics Engineer with extensive hands-on experience in lab testing high-speed optical links and photonic transceivers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in waveguide-based high-speed E/O and O/E components, and will be proficient in debugging, data analysis, and RF simulation tools.

Join a tight-knit team where each individual’s contributions directly influence the success of the company and product! You'll have the opportunity to build a new kind of computer from the ground up and to solve groundbreaking challenges along the way. Work with people who love to build and who thrive in technically diverse environments where great ideas are prioritized.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the bring-up and characterization of high-speed optical components, including modulators and photodetectors, ensuring they meet performance expectations.
• Design and execute validation and debug plans aligned with product specs, including link-level electro-optic testing using industry-standard equipment like BERTs, DCAs, VNAs, and AWGs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify and resolve issues across optics, electronics, and packaging, leveraging both lab data and simulation tools such as HFSS, ADS, and Lumerical.
• Analyze high-speed signal behavior using eye diagrams, bathtub curves, and equalization techniques (CTLE, DFE, FFE) to improve link quality and system robustness.
• Configure and optimize DSP-based SerDes to interface with custom optical modules and ensure seamless system integration.
• Automate test procedures and analyze results using Python or MATLAB to streamline validation workflows and support engineering decisions.
  
  

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field, with 5+ years of hands-on experience in high-speed optical or photonics engineering.
• Experience with chip or system level bring-up
• Deep expertise in silicon photonics, high-speed modulators, and electro-optic interconnects, including lab-based bring-up, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Proficient with high-speed test equipment (e.g., BERTs, VNAs, DCAs), as well as simulation tools like Cadence Spectre, Keysight ADS, HFSS, and photonic modeling software (e.g., Lumerical).
• Strong skills in Python or similar scripting languages for lab automation, data analysis, and result reporting.
• Proven ability to collaborate across hardware, software, and design teams, with clear communication and documentation skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with NRZ/PAM4 signaling, electro-optic link testing, and relevant standards (IEEE, OIF-CEI).
• Solid understanding of analog/RF systems and PCB-level debugging for electro-optical circuits.
  
  

We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.

Salary Range: $140,000 USD - $209,000 USD

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Savings Matching Program
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Paid Family Leave
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Commuter Benefits
• Flexible, hybrid workplace model
• Equity grants (applicable to full-time employees)
  
  

Benefits eligibility may vary depending on your employment status. Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

Export Control

Candidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Industries

  Construction

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