Staff HW/SW Photonic Simulation Engineer (Bay Area and Boston)

Lightmatter builds chips that enable extreme-scale artificial intelligence computing clusters. If you're a collaborative engineer or scientist who has a passion for innovation, solving challenging technical problems, and doing impactful work like building the world's first optical computers, consider joining the team at Lightmatter!

We are hiring a Sr. Simulation Software Engineer. The selected candidate will partner with external facing teams at Lightmatter and the internal engineering team to deliver groundbreaking products to the market. As a Simulation Software Engineer, you will develop electo-optic simulation methodology that predicts the performance of our hardware. This will require a solid understanding of state-of-the-art simulation software, multiple programming languages, and clear communication skills.

In this role, you will focus on the development and maintenance of simulation tools across digital, analog, and photonics domains. This role involves working with 1) device models from the aforementioned domains; 2) multiple simulators, including Xcelium, Spectre, and scattering parameter simulators; and 3) programming languages such as SystemVerilog, VerilogA, and Python.

You will report directly to the Chief Scientist, but you will also work closely with our digital, analog, photonic, and software teams. We are particularly looking for someone with expertise in simulating digital circuits to enable high-speed AMS circuits, with a strong preference for someone with experience in photonic circuits.

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 a new kind of (super)computer from the ground up and to solve groundbreaking challenges along the way. Work with people who love to build and who thrive in technically diverse environments where great ideas are prioritized.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, enhance, and maintain models in digital, analog, and photonics domains.
• Integrate, enhance, and maintain a mixed-signal framework built on top of multiple simulators (e.g., Xcelium, Spectre, and scattering parameter simulators)
• Write and maintain code in SystemVerilog, VerilogA, and Python to support modeling and simulation in multiple domains.
• Develop automated testbenches and verification scripts using the cocotb framework (preferred).
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including design engineers, verification teams, and photonics specialists, to understand tool requirements and deliver effective solutions.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for simulation tools, addressing issues promptly to minimize downtime.
• Analyze and optimize simulation performance, ensuring tools run efficiently and accurately.
• Implement enhancements to improve simulation speed, accuracy, and resource utilization.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for tool development processes, user guides, and technical specifications.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops to educate team members on tool usage and best practices.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in simulation technologies, programming languages, and industry best practices.
• Propose and implement improvements to existing tools and workflows to enhance productivity and quality.

Requirements

• 8+ years of related experience with a Bachelors’ degree, or 6 years and a Masters’ degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Skilled user of Cadence Spectre with a strong understanding of SystemVerilog and VerilogA.
• 2+ years of experience in Matlab, Python, C++ or other scripting/coding language
• Proven track record of delivering successful simulation flow for high-volume silicon in the market. Also, proven understanding of silicon product development flow
• Expertise in software verification and testing methodologies, including the development and execution of comprehensive software testing activities
• Knowledge of digital circuit design in a high-speed analog/photonic link, including device bringup, control, and digital signal processing
• Demonstrated strong problem solving skills, specifically pertaining to problems that do not have obvious solutions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cocotb, Keysight ADS, and/or VPI Photonics
• Experience developing state-of-the-art photonic links
• Proven track record in developing robust and maintainable software
• Ability and desire to collaborate in a cross-disciplinary team
• Excellent communication skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• 401k matching
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Paid Family Leave
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Flexible, hybrid workplace model
• Stock Option Plan

We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role, inclusive of all US locations, is $176,000.00 - $260,000.00. Your base salary will be determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.

Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.