Sr Staff Integrated Photonics Laser Systems Architect

Lightmatter•Boston, MA

1d•$212,000 - $320,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Lightmatter is hiring a Senior Staff Laser Architect for its Laser System Architecture & Engineering (LSAE) team. The role defines the architecture of Guide, Lightmatter’s laser platform supplying multi-wavelength optical power to photonic interconnects for AI infrastructure, and Data-SOA, a semiconductor optical amplifier that boosts modulated data signals in the optical link. The architect translates product and customer requirements into architectures and specifications for design and systems engineering teams. For Guide, the architecture covers laser source technology, channel count and wavelength grid, wavelength locking and control, optical power splitting and monitoring, and the module’s optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical interfaces. For Data-SOA, it covers gain and placement in the link, multi-wavelength amplification, and bias and gain control. The role owns technical trade-offs for both product architectures and helps set the direction of their roadmaps. The architectures will serve as references for future product generations and inform Lightmatter’s choices of laser and amplifier technologies. The architect works with device, circuit, packaging, controls, systems, electronics, photonics, mechanical, and thermal engineers to carry architectures into silicon and production. The role also involves hands-on validation, production test development, vendor collaboration, and contributing to laser development roadmaps.

Requirements

PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field.
At least 8 years of hands-on experience in optical devices, PICs, and semiconductor physics.
Track record of architecting laser or optical transceiver solutions from concept through volume manufacturing.
Expertise in mathematical modeling and simulation using Python for link-budget modeling, corner evaluation, and Monte Carlo simulations.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills for explaining complex engineering concepts to multidisciplinary teams and executive leadership.
Strong analytical problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to address ambiguous, open-ended engineering challenges.
Self-driven initiative, rapid learning ability, and a collaborative, hands-on mindset.
Capacity to comply with federally mandated U.S. export control requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience architecting lasers for datacom applications, such as external or integrated laser sources feeding CPO or optical I/O engines.
Experience with semiconductor optical amplifiers in datacom links, including gain, noise figure, saturation, pattern effects, cross-gain modulation in WDM, and III-V/silicon heterogeneous SOA integration.
Strong foundation in semiconductor laser physics, including comb sources, DFB, ECLs, RIN, linewidth, and thermal/wavelength locking, alongside silicon photonics integrated circuits.
Experience with wavelength locking, thermal tuning, and power-control loops co-simulated against physical models.
Experience with silicon photonics circuit simulations.
Experience taking products into high-volume manufacturing, including laser reliability and eye-safety qualification.
Demonstrated technical leadership of a cross-functional team.
Contributions to optical standards bodies such as OIF, IEEE 802.3, or MSAs, and publications or patents.

Responsibilities

Define and own the Guide laser architecture, from concept through high-volume production.
Define and own the Data-SOA architecture in Lightmatter’s optical links.
Deliver laser module architecture specifications and work with hardware and software teams to define functionality, interfaces, and documentation.
Collaborate with the Passage team to align Guide and Passage product architectures.
Develop innovative, high-performance laser solutions through engineering problem-solving.
Work across electronics, photonics, mechanical, and thermal disciplines to design systems, control algorithms, PICs, and PMICs that meet performance, power, and production requirements.
Work with engineering, product, sales, and architecture teams to define subsystem requirements for device characterization, debugging, and validation.
Validate architectures, models, and specifications through hands-on testing of dies, prototype assemblies, and packaged modules.
Collaborate with test engineers and technicians on production test and validation protocols, and analyze and debug test results.
Work with external vendors to support timely development and delivery of key processes and components.
Contribute to the laser development roadmap, improving performance, scalability, power consumption, and cost.
Publish and present novel ideas and participate in premier photonics conferences.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care plan, including medical, dental, and vision.
Retirement savings matching program.
Life insurance, including basic, voluntary, and AD&D coverage.
Vacation, sick time, and public holidays.
Paid family leave.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Training and development.
Commuter benefits.
Flexible, hybrid workplace model.
Equity grants for eligible full-time employees.
Competitive compensation, including a new-hire equity grant and annual performance-based equity.