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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Sr. Staff Photonics Systems Engineer - **Company:** Lightmatter, Inc. - **Location:** Boston, MA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $210,000.0 - $256,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Software Debugging, Firmware - **Published:** June 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/157e31f3-b33c-413a-a419-5a6b5d5299c1 ## About the Role * A Ph.D. in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline, with at least 3 years of relevant post-degree experience (or equivalent) * A minimum of 8 years of experience in photonic devices, photonic integrated circuits, and semiconductor physics * Strong understanding of silicon photonics * Experience of closely collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams, like photonics design, packaging, thermal, system engineering and firmware to name a few * Ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders with strong and clear communication * Demonstrated strong problem solving skills specifically pertaining to problems that do not have obvious solutions Preferred Qualifications: * Strong understanding of laser physics * Experience in lasers or silicon photonics for datacom applications * Experience with control systems and system engineering * Experience working in a high volume manufacturing environment * Demonstrated technical leadership of a cross-functional team * Willing and able to learn quickly, self-starter with a "no task is too big or small" attitude ## Description We are hiring a Sr. Staff Photonics Systems Engineer to join our laser development team. In this role, you will develop integrated and highly scalable laser solutions for silicon photonics AI communications and computation. You will work closely with cross-disciplinary engineering teams both internally and across our ecosystem of manufacturing partners to assess the technical feasibility of product requirements, develop an engineering plan to meet architectural specifications, execute new product designs for laser solutions, and validate system performance on hardware. This role requires a deep understanding of complex multi-domain platforms as well as integrated silicon photonics and the requirements of datacom systems. You will navigate the design space of performance, schedule, reliability, power consumption, and cost, working in tandem with stakeholders across the company to identify optimal and innovative engineering solutions. Creativity, analytical skills, and clear communication skills are a necessity. Join a tight-knit team where each individual's contributions directly influence the success of the company and product. You'll have the opportunity to build innovative laser solutions from the ground up and tackle groundbreaking challenges. Work with people who love to build and who thrive in diverse technical environments where great ideas are prioritized. Responsibilities * Engage with a cross-functional team to design and deliver a successful high-volume laser product * Collaborate with product and architecture teams to drive new laser concepts * Work closely with hardware and software teams to translate high level laser module product requirements and architecture specifications into a detailed engineering execution plan * Engage in problem-solving to resolve design and manufacturing challenges for innovative high-performance laser solutions * Actively collaborate across disciplines-with electronics, photonics, mechanical, thermal and package-design engineering teams-to build laser systems, control algorithms, PICs, and control ASICs that meet performance, power, and production requirements * Collaborate with control-system and test engineers to define production test and validation protocols, as well as to characterize components and debug test results from prototype level to validation * Work with external vendors to ensure timely development and delivery of key processes and components ## Related Videos - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Using AI Without Losing Your Skills](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2045-using-ai-without-losing-your-skills) - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [Photonic Computing: Programming a New Class of AI Accelerators (incl. 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