Photonics Architect
LightmatterJob Title
Photonics Architect
Role Summary
Design the micro-architecture and component-level specifications for a photonic-based communication fabric used in high-bandwidth, low-latency interconnects. Partner with photonic, analog, and system engineering teams to convert architecture into validated engineering specifications.
Work focuses on defining components, performance targets, and PPA tradeoffs for production-ready photonic interconnects used in large-scale AI and HPC systems.
Experience Level
Mid-level. The role expects an experienced technical contributor rather than an entry-level or management position; specific years of experience are not specified.
Responsibilities
Provide architecture and technical guidance across device, circuit, and system levels for a photonic interconnect product.
- Define micro-architecture and top-level layout requirements for photonic communication fabric.
- Propose and evaluate photonic component designs (modulators, receivers, multiplexers, lasers, amplifiers).
- Provide performance, power, and area (PPA) estimates for photonic devices and subsystems.
- Collaborate with photonic and analog engineering teams to integrate device and circuit requirements into system designs.
- Author, review, and validate architectural specifications and documentation for engineering execution.
- Drive trade-off analyses and optimization to meet bandwidth, latency, and power targets.
Requirements
Key technical skills and capabilities required for successful execution of the role.
Must-have:
- In-depth knowledge of photonic devices and semiconductor physics.
- Experience with integrated silicon photonics components and their system-level implications.
- Hands-on experience with photonic simulation or modeling tools (examples: FDTD, Lumerical, Verilog-A, VPI Photonics).
- Solid understanding of process technology and photonics design constraints relevant to manufacturable products.
- Strong problem-solving skills for ill-defined technical problems and ability to produce clear, actionable specifications.
- Ability and desire to collaborate effectively in cross-disciplinary engineering teams.
- Capacity to comply with U.S. export control laws where applicable.
Nice-to-have:
- Prior experience authoring architecture/specifications for interconnects or high-speed communication fabrics.
- Familiarity with analog-photonic integration and PPA optimization methods.
Education Requirements
PhD in electrical engineering, physics, applied physics, or a discipline related to photonics.
About the Company
Company: Lightmatter
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Lightmatter develops photonic AI data-center infrastructure and optical chips for extreme-scale AI and HPC. The company invented the Passage 3D‑stacked photonics engine to provide high-bandwidth, low-latency interconnects across large-scale processors and raised $400M in Series D financing at a reported $4.4B valuation.
