Lightmatter · 10 hours ago
Chip Architecture Leader
Mountain View, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$247K/yr - $337K/yr
10+ years expLightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company is hiring a Head of Chip Architecture to collaborate with partners and internal teams to develop and deliver innovative photonics products, defining advanced chip architectures and optimizing system performance.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Data CenterMachine LearningSemiconductorSoftware
Responsibilities
Guide, coach, and mentor a team of chip architects from different domains: photonics, digital, and analog
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 in terms of performance, energy efficiency, and costs
Work with other engineering leaders to plan, set, and execute on development, tapeout, 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 our current chip’s architecture and future roadmap
Drive the technical selling process by clearly articulating the competitive advantages, performance metrics, and cost benefits to both technical and non-technical customers
Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Partner with the 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 and strategic objectives
Develop new IP. Publish technical findings at top journals and share our technical expertise at conferences
Be Lightmatter’s ambassador
Qualification
Required
A Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field with 10+ years of relevant experience and leading teams
Must have managerial experience
Strong track record in managing teams and helping them grow and achieve at the highest level
Deep technical knowledge in photonic/AMS chip co-design
Proven success in developing, taping out, and bringing-up state-of-the-art photonic/AMS chips and system solutions
Proven track record of successfully taking at least two chip architectures from concept to high-volume production
Demonstrated experience serving as a primary technical point of contact with major external customers, partners, or vendors
Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling business value propositions for executive and non-technical audiences
Strong track record of planning and driving complex projects to completion
Ability to work cross-functionally with other organizations to achieve company-wide goals
Deep understanding of market trends and application of optical interconnects
Must to travel 30% of the time
Preferred
World-class technical leadership: demonstrated absolute technical and people excellence
Strong track record of innovation in photonics as evidenced by patents and publications
Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills for problems that have no obvious solutions
Strong publication record and public speaking experience
Ability to retain and attract new talent
Executing R&D for product and market needs
Willingness to engage and learn quickly to ensure mission success. 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)
Company
Lightmatter
Lightmatter develops photonic chips that enable data processing and communication using light instead of electricity.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Lightmatter has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (21)
2024 (12)
2023 (5)
2022 (4)
2021 (4)
2020 (4)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$822MKey Investors
T. Rowe PriceViking Global InvestorsGoogle Ventures
2024-10-16Series D· $400M
2023-12-19Series C· $155M
2023-05-31Series C· $154M
Leadership Team
Nicholas Harris
Founder, CEO
B
Bob Turner
Sr. VP Sales & Solution Architecture
Recent News
2025-11-23
2025-10-09
Company data provided by crunchbase