Staff Data Systems Engineer

We're looking for a Senior Data Systems Engineer who bridges the gap between hardware domain expertise and modern data infrastructure. You won't just build pipelines — you'll work directly with foundries, OSATs, test engineers, and validation teams to understand what the data means, define how it should flow, and build the platform that makes AI-driven decisions possible across 13+ active hardware programs. This is not a typical data engineering role. The right person has a background in semiconductor manufacturing, photonics, hardware test/validation, or a related hardware discipline — and a strong pull toward data systems, process optimization, and automation. You understand that the hardest part of a data platform isn't the code; it's knowing which data matters and why. What You'll Do Program Data Onboarding & Vendor Engagement Engage directly with foundries, OSATs, and internal engineering teams to align on data formats, delivery mechanisms, and quality standards for new programs Own the data onboarding lifecycle for programs ramping to High Volume Manufacturing (HVM) Identify gaps in data coverage across the pipeline: design, foundry, test/validation, photonics characterization, packaging/assembly, and system-level validation Influence external and internal teams to adopt scalable, platform-compatible data practices — this is hands‑on stakeholder work, not email coordination Data Platform Engineering Design, build, and maintain data pipelines that ingest, transform, and deliver hardware data from wafer‑level test through system validation Build and maintain data models in dbt on Snowflake that serve downstream analytics, reporting, and AI/ML workflows Develop and operate orchestration workflows (Dagster) for reliable, observable data delivery Implement data quality checks, monitoring, and alerting to ensure platform reliability across production programs Performance Metrics & Reporting Build performance metrics pipelines that translate raw hardware data into actionable insights for engineering and program teams Own stakeholder reporting and deliver training for teams onboarding to platform tools (Snowflake, Sigma, custom dashboards) Support AI/ML workflows by ensuring the data foundation is clean, structured, and reliable Platform Improvement & Tooling Contribute to platform infrastructure: CI/CD, RBAC, cost optimization, self‑service tooling Participate in sprint ceremonies, contribute to architectural decisions, and help shape the team's technical roadmap Mentor junior team members on both data engineering practices and hardware domain context What You Bring Required Bachelor's Degree in Photonics, Data Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field 8+ years of professional experience in data engineering, process engineering, test engineering, or a related technical role in semiconductor, photonics, or hardware manufacturing Proficiency in Python and SQL Experience with Snowflake, dbt, Dagster/Airflow, or similar modern data stack components Experience working with data for hardware test, manufacturing, or characterization systems Demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally with technical teams and external partners (vendors, foundries, or OSATs) to define data requirements and influence practices Strong analytical thinking — you can look at a dataset and understand what it means in the physical world, not just how to transform it Preferred Master's or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field with 4+ years of experience Background in silicon photonics, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), or optical systems Experience with High Volume Manufacturing (HVM) ramps or new product introduction (NPI) data workflows Familiarity with semiconductor test data formats (STDF, WAT, parametric data) Experience building data quality frameworks or monitoring systems Experience with AI/ML tools applied to manufacturing or engineering data We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role is determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data. Total compensation includes a new hire equity grant, annual performance‑based equity, and other rewards that recognize your impact and contribution. Salary Range: $196,000 — $217,000 USD Benefits Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) 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 Commuter Benefits Flexible, hybrid workplace model Equity grants (applicable to full‑time employees) Benefits eligibility may vary depending on your employment status and location. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Lightmatter