Systems Applications Engineer - Optical

The role

This person will support next-generation AI networking platforms and high-speed optical interconnects. They will work with customers deploying 800G and 1.6T optical transceivers on 51.2T-class and next-generation switches.

What you will do

• Provide technical support for 51.2T and next-generation switch architectures
• Serve as the primary customer-facing technical lead
• Debug and resolve complex interoperability issues across AI networking switches, DSPs, and high-speed optical modules
• Lead customer demos, evaluations, and hands-on system bring-up
• Collaborate cross-functionally with optical, ASIC, hardware, software, mechanical, and thermal engineering teams
• Partner with silicon, EIC, and system teams to support end-to-end bring-up
• Engage with external ecosystem partners to align on technical capabilities and performance targets
• Contribute to industry standards bodies
• Operate across global teams

Required qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field
• Strong understanding of optical transceivers, including architecture, configuration, and performance characteristics
• Extensive hands-on experience with DSP bring-up, transceiver configuration, and high-speed link debugging
• In-depth familiarity with AI networking switch architectures and Layer 1/Layer 2 configurations
• Experience working with 800G optical modules and 51.2T-class switches
• Solid understanding of ASIC architectures and system integration
• Experience interfacing with foundries and understanding semiconductor development and manufacturing flows
• Proven ability to work across cross-functional and geographically distributed teams
• Experience building and managing ecosystem partnerships
• Excellent analytical, communication, and customer-facing skills
• Strong ability to work independently while influencing across complex organizations
• Deep experience engaging with CPO/NPO architectures

Nice to have

• 1.6T and next-gen systems
• chip-level and EIC-level experience
• Active or prior involvement in industry standards (e.g., MSA participation)
• Previous experience at a leading optical transceiver or networking systems company

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Significant equity compensation
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible time off policy
• Direct impact on groundbreaking technology
• Opportunity to work with a highly experienced and collaborative team
• Dynamic and innovative work environment
• Opportunity for rapid career growth

About the company

Lumilens is building photonics infrastructure for AI supercomputing, including chip-to-chip optical interconnects and scalable photonic engines. It is a well-funded startup backed by Mayfield.