Chip Architecture Leader (Mountain View)

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 continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter.

We are hiring a Head of Chip Architecture. You will collaborate with external partners and internal engineering teams to develop and deliver innovative, high‑volume photonics products. In this role, you will define advanced chip architectures for co‑packaged optics, working closely with cross‑disciplinary teams to model, analyze, and optimize system performance. You will be the primary technical liaison for key customers, partners, and internal stakeholders, and represent Lightmatter at premier industry conferences.

Responsibilities

• Guide, coach, and mentor a team of chip architects from photonics, digital, and analog domains.
• Define chip architectures for datacenter/AI compute optical interconnect demonstrations and products.
• Lead the co‑optimization of SerDes, analog front ends, and optical transceivers to achieve best‑in‑class performance, energy efficiency, and cost.
• Work with other engineering leaders to plan, set, and execute development, tape‑out, and validation timelines.
• Provide technical leadership to cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Represent the architecture team in executive‑level reviews, industry forums, and customer negotiations.
• Act as the primary technical liaison for key customers, partners, and stakeholders regarding architecture and roadmap.
• Drive the technical selling process by articulating competitive advantages, performance metrics, and cost benefits to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to all stakeholders.
• Partner with Product and Sales teams to define next‑generation photonic products.
• Research and evaluate emerging optical interconnect technologies, and drive technology roadmaps aligned with market trends.
• Develop new IP, publish technical findings at top journals, and share expertise at conferences.
• Be Lightmatter’s ambassador.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field with 10+ years of experience and team leadership.
• Managerial experience.
• Strong track record of managing teams and fostering their growth.
• Deep technical knowledge in photonic/AMS chip co‑design.
• Proven success in developing, tape‑outing, and bringing‑up state‑of‑the‑art photonic/AMS chips and systems.
• Track record of taking at least two chip architectures from concept to high‑volume production.
• Experience serving as primary technical point of contact with major external customers, partners, or vendors.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling business value propositions for executives and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong project planning and execution record.
• Cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Deep understanding of market trends and optical interconnect applications.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• World‑class technical leadership with demonstrated excellence in people management.
• Strong innovation record in photonics evidenced by patents and publications.
• Creative problem‑solving for complex challenges.
• Publication record and public speaking experience.
• Talent acquisition and retention ability.
• Experience executing R&D that meets product and market needs.
• Self‑starter with a “no task is too big or small” attitude.

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)

Salary

Base salary range: $247,000 USD – $337,000 USD. Total compensation includes a new‑hire equity grant, annual performance‑based equity, and other rewards that recognize your impact.

Export Control

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

EEO Statement

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.