Member of Technical Staff, R&D Engineer

Lumotive R&D Engineer

Lumotive is pioneering the era of programmable optics—where light is controlled as intelligently and flexibly as software. At the heart of this transformation is a once-in-a-generation innovation: a flat CMOS-based "general purpose optic." Lumotive's Light Control Metasurface (LCM™) beam forming chips can be programmed to function as a beam steering mirror, a lens, mirror, a beam splitter—or any optical function—replacing bulky and mechanical optical components with a fully digital, reconfigurable semiconductor. This breakthrough lays the foundation for a massive shift in multiple technologies—from 3D sensing and imaging to optical networking, free space optical communication, and beyond. Like the shift from analog to digital in electronics, programmable optics will reshape industries from robotics, self-driving cars, AI, defense, and healthcare.

Lumotive's first commercial application is in LiDAR, where its software-defined beam steering chips are already enabling compact, high-performance, solid-state sensors. These sensors are being deployed today in smart infrastructure, robotics, and mobility systems through leading module makers and solution integrators.

With more than 200 patents and growing commercial traction, Lumotive is delivering the world's first digital platform for light—and redefining what's possible in the optical age.

Job Description

We are looking for a versatile, hands-on R&D engineer to join Lumotive's LCM team in Redmond. This is a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of hardware, software, and optical systems—someone who takes a problem from concept to working hardware, hands it off, and is already excited about the next challenge.

You will own the design and bring-up of custom optoelectronic test systems and PCBs that are central to Lumotive's ability to develop, validate, and ship next-generation LCM technology. You'll collaborate closely with electrical, optical, and software engineers. Your work will have direct and visible impact on major product milestones.

Responsibilities:

• Defining and overseeing the test hardware ecosystem for Lumotive's next generation of products
• Optical and mechanical design and implementation of LCM characterization test stands and demo systems
• Develop Python-based software for instrument control, test automation, and integration with Lumotive's test data infrastructure
• Design, layout, fabricate, and bring up custom PCBs for LCM test, characterization, and control applications
• Support bring-up and validation of new LCM products and ASICs, debugging at the hardware/firmware boundary
• Design of robust LCM optical and electrical systems that can be installed at contract manufacturers for pass / fail testing
• Programming and software development in Python for streamlining LCM control and adding functionality
• Collaborate with the LiDAR systems team to integrate LCM technology into new reference designs
• Document your work thoroughly and contribute to design / code reviews, SOPs, and knowledge transfer

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in physics, electrical engineering, optical engineering, or related fields
• 5+ years of experience in a hardware-focused R&D or engineering role
• Hands-on experience building and operating test stands or characterization systems for optoelectronic devices
• Strong understanding of geometrical / diffractive / polarization optics
• Mechanical design and fabrication skills (SolidWorks, 3D printing, machining)
• Proven track record designing and bringing up PCBs, including schematic capture, layout, and hardware debugging
• Proficiency in Python for test automation, instrument control, or data analysis
• Experience with Git and software development best practices (unit testing, code review, version control)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to document and present technical work clearly
• Extreme attention to detail

$100,000 - $120,000 a year Base pay is scaled depending on experience + Performance based Quarterly Bonus + Equity.

Benefits include but not limited to:

• Health, dental and vision
• FSA, HSA
• PTO plus 14 paid company holidays
• 401K with 3% contribution
• Stock Options
• Life insurance and disability