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 chips 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.
Job Description:
The Optoelectronics Systems Engineer plays a key role in a small cross-functional team in a start-up environment developing the next generation of lidar. This is a hands-on role that blends optics, electronics, and software. You’ll work closely with the team to support the hardware design, system bring-up, software development, testing, and calibration of our next-generation, LCM-based lidar systems. The candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively across internal functional units as well as with third party suppliers, partners, and customers. This position reports to a Principal Optoelectronic Systems Engineer.
Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the design and development of LCM-based lidar systems, collaborating closely with hardware, optics, and FPGA teams to shape system architecture and functionality.
- Perform hands-on PCB bring-up, validation, and debug for mixed-signal and optoelectronic assemblies.
- Develop and maintain Python-based system control software for lidar systems, interfacing with optical and electronic subsystems.
- Work closely with FPGA engineers to validate system PCB signals and digital interfaces, to ensure reliable timing and communication between system components.
- Support characterization and calibration of optoelectronic components (lasers, photodetectors, optics) in lab and prototype environments.
- Work with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, power meters, and optical test benches.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (optics, firmware, mechanical) to support system integration and testing.
- Participate in hardware and system design reviews, focusing on system integration, testability, and robustness for LCM-based LiDAR systems.
- Develop and refine calibration routines to optimize LiDAR system performance and consistency.
- Diagnose and resolve system-level issues involving electronics, optics, and embedded software.
- Present data, methods, and conclusions to the technical and leadership team.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in Optoelectronic Systems Engineering.
- Hands-on experience in system integration, PCB bring-up, and debug for optoelectronic or photonics-based systems.
- Strong proficiency in Python for system control and test automation.
- Familiarity with Git, Unix environments, and embedded systems
- Experience with laboratory equipment (oscilloscopes, high-speed probes, optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, etc.).
- Familiarity with optoelectronic system components including lasers, photodetectors, and beam steering technologies.
- Experience in LiDAR system design preferred but related experience in RADAR or ultrasound will also be considered.
- Experience developing calibration and system optimization techniques.
- Strong problem-solving and debugging skills across hardware and software domains.
- Excellent technical communication and documentation skills.
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
PI272286353
