High Speed Characterization Photonics Engineer

Lightmatter builds chips that enable extreme-scale artificial intelligence computing clusters. If you're a collaborative engineer or scientist who has a passion for innovation, solving challenging technical problems and doing impactful work like building the world's first optically accelerated computers, consider joining the team at Lightmatter!

We are seeking a highly skilled High-Speed Photonics Engineer with extensive hands-on experience in lab testing high-speed optical links and photonic modulators. 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.

*Due to our characterization lab being in Boston, the person for this role will need to be located in the Boston area.

Responsibilities:

• Bring up and characterize high-speed optical interconnect packages and components, such as modulators and photodetectors.
• Use high-speed test components and equipment, including high-speed DCAs, BERTs, AWGs, VNAs, ESAs, OSAs, signal sources, electrical high-speed amplifiers, and filters.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of different equalization techniques, e.g., CTLE, DFE, FFE, in high-speed optical links.
• Utilize working knowledge of high-speed Signal Integrity eye diagrams, Bathtub Curves, etc.
• Identify hardware issues and work towards resolutions with teams specializing in integrated optics, high-speed electronics, and opto-electronic packaging.
• Use RF simulation tools like HFSS, Keysight ADS, or equivalents.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis of photonics components using tools like Lumerical, Tidy3D, Synopsis OptoDesigner, etc.
• Program in languages such as Python and MATLAB.
• Work collaboratively across various functional teams within the company in a highly interdisciplinary environment.

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in high-speed photonics engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in silicon photonics components, high-speed modulators, and high-speed optical interconnect.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform detailed analysis and data interpretation.
• Proven track record of extensive lab work, particularly with high-speed instruments and integrated photonics chips or systems.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in setting up and characterizing high-speed optical communication systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication and documentation skills.
• Experience with Python tools for scientific computing and lab automation.
• Experience with active microwave circuits and RF and analog systems.
• Experience in high-speed circuit simulation and characterization using Cadence Spectre and 3D EM simulators like Keysight ADS and HFSS a plus.

• Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• 401k matching
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Paid Family Leave
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Flexible, hybrid workplace model
• Stock Option Plan

We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role, inclusive of all US locations, is $170,000- $200,000. Your base salary will be determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.

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.