Staff Software Engineer, Embedded Systems (Boston or Mountain View)

As a Staff Software Engineer at Lightmatter, you'll collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to define the control plane architecture for photonic interconnect products. Your main responsibilities will include developing device software and firmware stacks, defining diagnostics for photonic transceivers, and integrating capabilities with DataCenter administration environments like OpenBMC.

The ideal candidate for the Staff Software Engineer position at Lightmatter will have at least a BS degree with 8+ years of experience, or a Master's degree with 6+ years of experience. Key qualifications include a strong understanding of hardware-software integration, industry experience in device driver development, and proficiency in embedded systems communication.

While primary qualifications focus on experience in device development and firmware design, proficiency in programming languages such as Python and C++ will be highly advantageous for a Staff Software Engineer at Lightmatter. These skills will facilitate effective communication with the team and enhance product development efforts.

Lightmatter values continuous learning and growth. As a Staff Software Engineer, you'll have access to various training and development opportunities to enhance your skills. The company also fosters a flexible and hybrid workplace model, ensuring you can thrive both professionally and personally.

At Lightmatter, the salary for the Staff Software Engineer position ranges from $180,000 to $210,000 USD, depending on location, experience, educational background, and market data. This competitive compensation reflects the company's commitment to attracting top talent in the industry.

When answering this question, tailor your response to highlight your specific experiences with embedded systems, emphasizing any relevant projects or successes you've had. Discuss the technologies you've used and your understanding of hardware-software integration.

Discuss your methodology, including gathering requirements, collaborating with hardware teams, and coding the firmware. It’s beneficial to highlight examples from past projects that showcase your problem-solving abilities and adaptability.

Be prepared to name specific tools and techniques you have utilized in past experiences with debugging. Discuss how you select the appropriate tool based on the system requirements and the challenges you faced during the debugging process.

Share a specific project story that illustrates your collaboration skills. Highlight your role, the teams involved, the challenges you faced, and the successful outcomes of the teamwork.

Your answer should address various aspects such as scalability, security, and modularity. Provide insight into your thought process and any principles or methodologies you follow when defining architectures.

Discuss the resources you utilize, such as online courses, webinars, technical blogs, or community forums. Mention any relevant professional organizations you're part of or conferences you attend, showcasing your commitment to continual learning.

Explain your familiarity with Linux, focusing on any relevant applications or projects you’ve worked on. Elaborate on your experiences in development, deployment, or system integration within commercial settings.

Share strategies that you employ for effective time management under pressure. Highlight how you prioritize tasks, communicate with your team, and ensure quality outputs despite time constraints.

Highlight challenges such as interfacing hardware with software, ensuring signal integrity, and optimizing performance. Discuss your experience and potential solutions you have implemented in previous roles.

Share your passion for the field and how photonic computing aligns with your professional goals. Discuss the potential impact you see it having on the future of technology, and why you're excited about being a part of it.