Senior Digital (Mix Signal) Architect
Lightmatter is seeking a Senior Digital (Mixed Signal) Architect to lead the digital architecture of its Passage product, a groundbreaking photonic-based communication fabric. This role involves close collaboration with the architecture, chip-design, and software teams to drive the product from initial concept through high-volume production. The successful candidate will report directly to the Chief Scientist and work alongside a team of world-class scientists and engineers.
Key responsibilities include owning the digital architecture of the Passage product, planning and executing the development process in coordination with technical program managers, and architecting system-level digital designs that integrate complex analog/mixed-signal (AMS) and photonic circuits. This encompasses stabilization circuits for AMS and photonic devices, line-rate digital signal processing (DSP), forward error correction (FEC), cyclic redundancy check (CRC), and tuning and adaptation of analog front-end components. The role also involves collaborating with test and validation engineers to ensure hardware performance aligns with simulation predictions, working with RTL and DV teams for block-level implementation and verification, and enabling the firmware team for hardware bring-up and validation. Additionally, the architect will author and review architectural specifications and contribute to customer-facing product datasheets and reference designs.
The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering and have over 12 years of relevant experience. They should have in-depth knowledge of power-efficient digital design flows for high-speed AMS electronics, preferably on photonic communication channels, and expertise in digital circuit design within high-speed analog/photonic links, including device bring-up, control, and DSP. Strong problem-solving skills, particularly for complex issues without obvious solutions, and excellent customer communication skills are essential. Preferred qualifications include an understanding of SerDes PCS layers, equalization, and forward error-correction schemes, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-disciplinary team.
Lightmatter offers a competitive compensation package, with a base salary range of $205,000 to $284,000 USD, determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data. The total compensation includes a new hire equity grant, annual performance-based equity, and other rewards recognizing individual impact and contribution. Benefits include comprehensive health care plans (medical, dental, and vision), a retirement savings matching program, life insurance, generous time off (vacation, sick, and public holidays), paid family leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, training and development opportunities, commuter benefits, a flexible hybrid workplace model, and equity grants applicable to full-time employees.
Joining Lightmatter means becoming part of a tight-knit team where each individual's contributions directly influence the company's and product's success. Employees have the opportunity to build a new kind of computer from the ground up and tackle groundbreaking challenges along the way. The company fosters an environment where great ideas are prioritized, and team members thrive in technically diverse settings.