Lead Hardware Systems Engineer

Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.

Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!

If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.

Lightmatter is (re) inventing the future of computing with light!

We are seeking a Lead Hardware Systems Engineer with deep expertise in server component design and extensive knowledge of thermo-mechanical and electrical solutions for both air- and liquid-cooled systems. In this role, you’ll deliver system solutions using Lightmatter’s innovative technology to develop state-of-the-art solutions for data centers and high-performance computing.

• Design, test, analyze, integrate, qualify, and document complex hardware systems from start to finish.
• Collaborate with customers, vendors, and stakeholders to define system design requirements.
• Work with the system architects and design engineers to develop optimal solutions for system design requirements.
• Develop concept, intermediate, and final designs, incorporating peer reviews and prototype evaluations.
• Ensure optimal thermal and structural designs through efficient system packaging.
• Lead the selection and integration of components (PCB technology, connectors, cables, regulators, etc.) to ensure optimal electrical design for high-speed interfaces and power-efficient solutions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support design integration, power-on, and validation of complex products and subsystems.
• Perform root cause analysis and lead technical investigations for system design issues.
• Contribute to technical roadmaps, establish best practices, and assess product feasibility.

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in systems engineering or hardware development, with a focus on datacenter development.
• Proven track record in hardware bring-up, working collaboratively with silicon, package, and systems teams.
• Extensive experience in solving highly complex system challenges related to thermal management, high-speed electrical design, and system packaging.
• Experience in managing projects and leading cross-functional teams, including working with external vendors.

• Knowledge of integration challenges of optical components at the system level, including electrical-optical link budgets, fiber management, and lasers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, adept at addressing and resolving complex technical challenges.
• Excellent collaboration skills in working across diverse teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.

Salary Range: $210,000 - $300,000 USD

• Retirement Savings Matching Program
• 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
• Equity grants

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.

Export Control

Candidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.

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Lightmatter follows a hybrid work model.

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