Lightmatter
Photonics Hardware Validation Engineer
About this role
Lightmatter seeks a Photonics Hardware Validation Engineer to design and execute test systems for silicon photonics optical interconnect products. You'll lead chip bring-up, validation testing, and characterization of next-generation photonic components in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
What you'll do
- Develop and execute chip validation plans aligned to product specifications and interoperability testing requirements
- Design test benches, configure lab equipment, and troubleshoot validation setups for chip bring-up
- Conduct electro-optic and link-level testing using industry-standard lab equipment and practices
- Write test plans and develop automated test scripts for characterization and result analysis
- Debug and troubleshoot electrical-optical building blocks in transceivers to identify root causes of performance gaps
- Collaborate with device, hardware, software, and design teams to support end-to-end product validation
What they're looking for
- Electro-optic link testing and characterization
- Bench test equipment operation (oscilloscopes, network analyzers, pattern generators)
- PCB design and hardware debugging
- High-speed data communications (NRZ, PAM4 signaling)
- Python, MATLAB, or scripting for test automation
- Transceiver architecture and optical/electrical signal analysis
- Technical documentation and test reporting
- Cross-functional collaboration and communication
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision)
- Retirement savings matching program
- Life insurance (basic, voluntary, AD&D)
- Generous paid time off and paid family leave
- Equity grants (new hire and performance-based)
- Competitive base salary ($177,000–$240,000 USD)
Opens the official application on the employer’s site. No login required.
Lightmatter
Lightmatter builds silicon photonics-based optical interconnect products and AI data center infrastructure powered by advanced photonic technologies. The company is hiring hardware validation engineers, mechanical designers, and mixed-signal validation engineers to design test systems, verify high-speed electro-optic links, develop server chassis platforms, and optimize photonic communication circuits.
- Website
- lightmatter.com
Likely interview questions
- Walk us through your experience with electro-optic link testing—what equipment have you used and what were the key metrics you characterized?
- Describe a time you debugged a complex hardware issue in a transceiver or high-speed communication system. How did you approach root cause analysis?