Principal Member of Technical Staff, Optoelectronics Systems Engineer

Lumotive is pioneering the era of programmable optics—where light is controlled as intelligently and flexibly as software.

At the heart of this transformation is a once-in-a-generation innovation: a flat

CMOS-based “general purpose optic.” Lumotive’s Light Control Metasurface (LCM™) beam forming chip can be programmed to function as a beam steering mirror, a lens, mirror, a beam splitter—or any optical function—replacing bulky and mechanical optical components with a fully digital, reconfigurable semiconductor. This breakthrough lays the foundation for a massive shift in multiple technologies—from 3D sensing and imaging to optical networking, free space optical communication, and beyond.

Like the shift from analog to digital in electronics, programmable optics will reshape industries from robotics, self-driving cars, AI, defense, and healthcare.

Lumotive’s first commercial application is in LiDAR, where its software-defined beam steering chips are already enabling compact, high-performance, solid-state sensors. These sensors are being deployed today in smart infrastructure, robotics, and mobility systems through leading module makers and solution integrators.

With more than 200 patents and growing commercial traction, Lumotive is delivering the world’s first digital platform for light—and redefining what’s possible in the optical age.

The Optoelectronics Systems Engineer plays a key role in a start‑up environment developing the next generation of lidar. This hands‑on role blends deep expertise in optics, electronics, and software—expect to architect, prototype, debug, tune, and refine real hardware in the lab. You’ll influence system architecture, help define our technical direction, and build strong relationships across internal teams and external partners. You’ll operate with substantial independence, shaping methods, processes, and evaluation criteria to solve significant and unique technical challenges.

This position reports to the Senior Manager of Optical Systems Engineering.

• Lead architecture, design, and development of LCM-based lidar systems, collaborating closely with hardware, optics, firmware, and software teams to shape system architecture and functionality.
• Be the primary technical lead for teams adopting and integrating our reference designs—guiding architecture, debug, customization, and system‑level optimization.
• Build, maintain, and mentor others in Python‑based tools for calibration, automation, diagnostics, and system bring‑up.
• Develop and refine calibration and signal processing routines to optimize lidar system performance and consistency.
• Partner with FPGA, firmware, optics, and electrical teams to define interface requirements, validate board‑level signals, and ensure robust cross‑domain integration.
• Drive characterization and calibration of optoelectronic components (lasers, photodetectors, optics) in lab and prototype environments.
• Participate in hardware and system design reviews, focusing on system integration, testability, and robustness for LCM-based lidar systems.
• Diagnose and resolve system‑level issues involving electronics, optics, and embedded processing, and control algorithms.
• Present data, methods, and conclusions to the internal and external technical and leadership teams.

• Advanced degree required, Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 + years of industry experience.
• Proven track record in optoelectronic or photonic systems architecture, integration, and debug.
• Strong Python skills for automation, control, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with Git, Unix environments, and embedded systems.
• Extensive experience with system integration, high‑speed electronics, optoe, and cross‑domain debugging.
• Deep familiarity with lasers, photodetectors, and optoelectronic component characterization.
• Experience with lidar systems strongly preferred; radar or ultrasound experience is also acceptable.
• Demonstrated ability to create novel calibration, optimization, and signal‑processing approaches.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross‑functional influence skills; ability to create formal networks across teams and organizations.
• Comfortable operating with minimal supervision and exercising independent judgment on ambiguous or first‑of‑kind technical challenges.

$170,000 - $185,000 a year

Base pay is scaled depending on experience + Performance based Quarterly Bonus + Equity.

Benefits include but not limited to:

Health, dental and vision

FSA, HSA

PTO plus 14 paid company holidays

401K with 3% contribution

Stock Options

Life insurance and disability