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# Principal Hardware Systems Technical Lead

- **Company:** Lightmatter, Inc.
- **Location:** Mountain View, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $217,000.0 - $308,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Data Centers, Ethernet, Firmware, Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Joint Test Action (IEEE Standards), Machine Learning, PCI Express, Systems Development Life Cycle, Release Management, Software Requirements Analysis, AI Infrastructure, Network Switches, Computer Network Operations, Serial Peripheral Interface, Build Management
- **Published:** October 26, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/principal-hardware-systems-technical-lead-mountain-view-ca--e641ce2a-4e11-4564-830a-670525b1f5b7

## About the Role

Technical Leadership, Network Operations Center, Photonics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technical Leadership, Machine Learning, Integrated Circuits (ICs), Leading Edge Technology, Mentoring, Team Lead/Manager, * Bachelor''s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline with 15+ years of relevant industry experience

 * Demonstrated track record of taking multiple complex hardware systems from concept through production
 * Deep knowledge of VRMs, high-speed SerDes, and interfaces/protocols including PCIe, Ethernet, SPI/QSPI, I3C, I2C, and JTAG
 * Experience leading multi-disciplinary development, integration, and troubleshooting across electrical, mechanical, and firmware domains
 * Strong ownership mindset with the ability to work in ambiguous and dynamic environments

Preferred Qualifications

 * Experience designing hardware systems for AI/HPC data center infrastructure, optical transceivers, or silicon photonics products
 * Experience with Systems Engineering methodology, including requirements definition and traceability, FMEA, and EVT/DVT/PVT planning and execution
 * Familiarity with advanced packaging technologies and high-density PCB design

## Description

We are looking for a talented Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership to the Hardware Systems organization to help us build the next generation of silicon photonics based artificial intelligence accelerators and interconnect products. As a Principal Hardware Systems Technical Lead, you will be responsible for delivering board and system solutions using Lightmatter's innovative technology to create state of the art machine learning/artificial intelligence or massive scale-out interconnect platforms. You will work closely with our hardware and software teams, including mechanical, packaging, and IC engineering, to design and build leading edge system level products.

Responsibilities

 * Technical leadership and mentorship of team members to drive excellence and elevate the teams collective output
 * Own and drive multiple complex projects and hardware systems development throughout the full lifecycle, from concept through production
 * Collaborate with system architects and technical leads to define and develop hardware systems for photonic AI infrastructure applications
 * Define, develop, and review PCBAs to meet system-level electrical, power, and interface requirements
 * Lead hands-on integration, verification, and validation across bench bring-up, EVT/DVT, and production release
 * Drive cross-functional collaboration with firmware, photonics, packaging, and software teams to resolve dependencies and manage tradeoffs
 * Maintain thorough hardware documentation for schematics, design reviews, test plans, validation reports, and other engineering documentation
 * Research components and technologies to meet current and next-generation product goals and contribute to the technology roadmap, and improve development processes and engineering best practices
 * Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineers on the team