Lead Systems Application Engineer (Hardware)

About Lumilens At Lumilens we are building the critical photonics infrastructure that powers tomorrow’s AI supercomputing. From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new era of computing faster, cooler, and massively more efficient. We’re a well-funded startup backed by Mayfield and led by veterans who’ve built and scaled some of the most transformative technologies in the industry. This isn’t incremental innovation, it’s a ground-floor opportunity to rethink the optical layer from the silicon up. You’ll work alongside a team of world-class engineers solving some of the hardest challenges in optics, systems, and scale. Every line of code, every design decision, every breakthrough you help deliver will shape the infrastructure of tomorrow. If you're looking for mission, momentum, and the chance to make an outsized impact, jump on the rocket ship. We’re just getting started. Position Overview We are seeking a highly skilled System Application Engineer (Hardware) to support next-generation AI networking platforms and high-speed optical interconnects. In this role, you will work closely with customers deploying 800G and 1.6T optical transceivers on 51.2T-class and emerging switch architectures, with a strong emphasis on hardware bring-up, lab validation, interoperability testing, and system-level debug. The ideal candidate brings deep experience with optical module operation, DSP tuning, board- and system-level validation, and high-speed link bring-up, thriving at the intersection of hardware engineering, systems integration, and customer-facing applications. Key Responsibilities - Lead hardware-focused system integration for 51.2T and next-gen switches, including optical module bring-up, lab validation, and performance verification for 800G/1.6T transceivers. - Serve as the primary technical interface for customers, translating system requirements into practical hardware validation plans and deployment guidance. - Debug complex interoperability issues spanning optical modules, DSP settings, host interfaces, switch platforms, and Layer 1 link behavior. - Execute board- and system-level testing using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, BERTs, VNAs, and protocol analyzers to characterize link performance and root-cause failures. - Collaborate across optical, hardware, signal integrity, thermal, mechanical, and software teams to ensure robust integration of optical modules into AI networking environments. - Review schematics, layouts, and system configurations to identify signal integrity, power integrity, and integration risks during bring-up and qualification. - Develop and maintain test procedures, characterization reports, application notes, and supporting scripts or tools to improve validation efficiency and customer support. - Stay current on industry standards and emerging technologies in AI networking, optical transceivers, module management, and high-speed electrical/optical interfaces. Required Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field. - Strong understanding of optical transceivers, including module architectures, control interfaces, configuration protocols, and performance metrics. - Extensive hands-on experience with DSP tuning, optical transceiver configuration, and high-speed link bring-up and debug. - Deep familiarity with AI networking switch architecture, host electrical interfaces, and system-level integration of optical modules. - Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, BERTs, VNAs, protocol analyzers, or similar tools used for hardware validation. - Experience working with 800G modules, 1.6T architectures, or 51.2T switches is highly desirable. - Prior experience with leading optical-transceiver or networking-system companies is a strong plus. - Working knowledge of signal integrity, power integrity, thermal considerations, and hardware validation methodologies for high-speed systems. - Excellent analytical, communication, and customer-facing skills, with the ability to translate complex hardware and system issues into actionable solutions. - Ability to work independently in fast-paced environments and collaborate effectively across dispersed, cross-functional teams. Benefits: - Competitive salary and significant equity compensation in a rapidly growing, well-funded startup. - Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. - Flexible time off policy. - Direct impact on groundbreaking technology shaping the future of AI and data centers. - Opportunity to work with a highly experienced and collaborative team. - Dynamic and innovative work environment - Opportunity for rapid career growth - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.