Director of Engineering And Operations

Overview

We are pioneering the next generation of optical communications to unlock faster, more efficient AI data centers. Founded by leading photonics pioneers out of UC Santa Barbara, Our game-changing link architecture and photonic integrated circuit designs are ideally suited to deliver coherent links in data center environments where incumbent technologies face fundamental barriers.

Role Overview:
Director of Engineering Operations

As the Director of Engineering Operations, you will be the operational and engineering execution backbone of the company—driving alignment, velocity, and cross-functional coordination across PIC design, lab development, system architecture, module engineering, and customer-facing work.

This is a high-energy, fast-paced leadership role for someone who thrives on taking complex hardware and photonics programs from concept to demonstration and to product. You will be a key leader shaping the roadmap, engineering processes, ensuring tight integration between teams, and keep execution on track across multi-foundry tapeouts, link demos, module architecture, and customer pilot programs.

We are looking for a strong operator with deep optical transceiver experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to coach and elevate engineering teams.

• Own cross-functional execution roadmap across PIC, lab, systems, firmware, packaging, and module
• Drive overall product engineering including milestone target setting and tracking
• Maintain the master plan for tapeouts, demos, customer pilot builds, and module development
• Implement execution frameworks, OKR tracking, risk management, and dependency management
• Coordinate with Co-CTOs to translate architecture and PIC requirements into end products
• Ensure deliverables across PIC, test, firmware, packaging, and module engineering align cleanly
• Oversee lab operations and test flows to ensure proper prioritization and efficient output
• Drive critical link demos, fiber testing, and stability testing through product development
• Mentor engineers on communication, documentation, and measurement readiness
• Work with the Head of Product to align engineering output with customer requirements
• Support customer and partner technical interactions (hyperscalers, module vendors)

• 8–15+ years in optical transceivers, silicon photonics, optical modules, or high-speed hardware
• Understanding of optical link architecture, PIC-based transceivers, WDM systems, coupling/packaging
• Proven success driving complex hardware programs or multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Proven track record engineering pluggable modules and/or custom module form factors
• Exceptional organizational skill and ability to create clarity from ambiguity
• High energy and urgency, able to drive teams to aggressive milestones
• Strong communication and coaching/mentoring ability
• Experience with lab workflows, test planning, validation cycles, and hardware bring-up
• Experience with silicon photonics tapeout cycles.
• Experience in early-stage startups.
• Leadership experience in program management, engineering operations, or NPI.
• Familiarity with reliability and qualification flows.
• Experience engaging hyperscalers or large module customers.

• Push the frontier of optical interconnect technologies for AI computing in exciting start-up.
• Work alongside a dedicated, diverse team focused on making a tangible impact.
• Contribute to and help shape a flexible and dynamic startup environment with a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Competitive salary, equity options, and a comprehensive benefits package.

We provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws