Sr. Staff HW Engineer, Chip Bring-up

As a Senior Staff HW Engineer focusing on Chip Bring-up at Lightmatter, you are expected to gain a deep understanding of chip specifications, develop and support validation plans, configure test benches, troubleshoot setups, and perform Electro-Optic link-level testing in our lab. You will be an integral part of a cross-functional team collaborating with design engineers to drive successful chip bring-up and ensure performance meets product specifications.

To qualify for the Senior Staff HW Engineer position at Lightmatter, candidates should possess a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, plus at least 12 years of experience in data communications focusing on Electro-Optic testing. Additional qualifications include familiarity with PCB design, strong collaboration skills, hands-on experience with industry-standard bench test equipment, and basic scripting capabilities.

Essential skills for the Senior Staff HW Engineer role at Lightmatter include troubleshooting and debugging capabilities for electrical and optical circuits, adeptness with test equipment for data communication, and an understanding of electro-optical simulation tools. Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for scripting and automation is also beneficial to streamline lab tests and data analysis.

Lightmatter boasts a supportive work culture where teamwork and collaboration with brilliant minds are prioritized. As a Senior Staff HW Engineer, you will be encouraged to share ideas and drive innovation in a flexible, hybrid workplace that fosters professional growth, making your work here not only impactful but also enjoyable.

As a Senior Staff HW Engineer at Lightmatter, you will enjoy a competitive compensation package, including health care benefits, retirement savings matching, generous time off, paid family leave, and stock options. Our focus on employee well-being is paramount, ensuring you have all the support you need to excel in your career.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you led the chip bring-up process, detailing your approach to validation and testing. Discuss any challenges you faced and how your experience helped you troubleshoot issues efficiently, demonstrating your comprehensive understanding of both Electro-Optic systems and data communications.

It's best to discuss industry-standard methodologies you’ve employed, such as xDVT or interoperability testing. Speak about your systematic approach to developing test plans and how you ensure thorough testing according to product specifications, which shows your ability to prioritize quality and performance in your work.

Share examples that demonstrate your communication skills and ability to manage conflicts. Explain how you facilitate meetings or align objectives to ensure everyone is on the same page, offering solutions to meet team goals while respecting different viewpoints.

Provide specific examples of troubleshooting experiences, emphasizing the systematic techniques you employed to diagnose and resolve issues. Discuss any tools or software you used, such as simulation tools or validation software, to verify performance and reliability.

Illustrate your scripting experience by discussing a project where you wrote scripts to automate tests, analyze outcomes, and generate reports. Explain how this improved efficiency or accuracy in the validation process, highlighting your technical expertise in languages like Python or MATLAB.

Discuss aspects such as signal integrity, environmental conditions, and component specifications that are critical for successful testing. Share how you ensure accurate measurements and what steps you take to validate results against industry standards.

Share a story where you guided junior engineers through a particular task or troubleshooting process, highlighting how you transferred knowledge effectively, helped build their confidence, and encouraged a culture of continuous learning within the team.

Explain your process for creating documentation, emphasizing the importance of clarity and thoroughness. Share techniques you use to ensure that technical presentations and reports can be understood by various stakeholders, ensuring alignment across teams.

Mention resources such as industry publications, workshops, online courses, or professional organizations where you stay informed. Share how you apply this knowledge practically in your work, showcasing your commitment to continuous professional development.

Reflect on aspects like the fast-paced nature of technology or the requirement for both deep technical expertise and effective collaboration. Discuss how you view challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation, demonstrating your proactive mindset.