Mountain View, California, United States Hybrid USD 180,000 - 202,000 Yearly

Lightmatter is hiring a Chip Firmware Validation Engineer

About the Role

Shape the future of photonic computing by validating the firmware that powers next-generation AI processors and optical interconnects. In this role, you'll work at the intersection of hardware and software, ensuring robust operation of complex embedded systems through rigorous testing, debugging, and architectural collaboration.

What You’ll Do

  • Partner with cross-functional teams—including photonics, digital, analog, and systems engineers—to define control architectures for photonic interconnect solutions.
  • Lead firmware and software validation efforts across the development lifecycle, from test planning to execution and analysis.
  • Diagnose and resolve low-level system issues using tools such as GDB, JTAG, and logic analyzers in embedded Linux environments.
  • Contribute to defining product requirements, usability criteria, and validation strategies for emerging photonic computing technologies.

What We’re Looking For

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, plus 5+ years of experience in ASIC firmware validation.
  • Proven expertise in hardware-software integration and embedded systems development.
  • Strong background in communication protocols, peripheral interfaces, and bus architectures.
  • Hands-on experience developing firmware and software on Linux for commercial or enterprise applications.
  • Proficiency in Python, C, C++, MongoDB, Git, and CMake for building and managing software projects.
  • Experience gathering, analyzing, and reporting test data to inform design improvements.

Nice to Have

  • Exposure to Snowflake for data reporting and analytics.
  • Experience with CMIS, OpenBMC, or similar management frameworks.
  • Familiarity with FIT (Failure in Time) and reliability testing methodologies.
  • Background in optical component characterization and test methodologies.
  • Previous work on firmware for photonic transceivers or optical systems.

Environment & Culture

This role thrives in a technically diverse, innovation-driven setting. You'll collaborate with builders and experts who value deep technical work and actionable insights. The team prioritizes meaningful contributions, continuous learning, and solving hard problems in computing architecture.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive salary range: $180,000 – $202,000 USD
  • Equity through a new hire grant and annual performance-based awards
  • Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
  • Retirement savings with employer match
  • Generous paid time off and public holidays
  • Family leave, disability, and life insurance benefits
  • Flexible hybrid work model with commuter benefits
  • Support for training and professional development
  • Equity grants for eligible full-time roles

Work Model

This position operates under a flexible hybrid arrangement, supporting both in-office collaboration and remote productivity.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Hiring decisions are based on merit, skill, and fit, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected characteristics under applicable law.

Required Skills
PythonCC++MongoDBGitCMakeLinuxGDBJTAGLogic analyzersASIC firmware validationHardware-software integrationEmbedded systems CC++PythonGitCMakeGDBJTAGlogic analyzersembedded systemsfirmware validationLinuxASICMongoDB
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About company
Lightmatter
Leads the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. Invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, for connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for advanced AI and HPC workloads.
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Job Details
Department Engineering
Category embedded
Posted 2 months ago