Senior Director, Manufacturing Software Engineering

Senior Director, Manufacturing Software EngineeringAbout LumilensAt Lumilens, we're building the photonics infrastructure powering 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 are a well-funded startup backed by Mayfield and led by technology veterans. This is a ground-floor opportunity to rethink the optical layer from the silicon up. You'll join a team of world-class engineers tackling the hardest challenges in optics, systems, and scale. If you're looking for mission, momentum, and a chance to make a major impact, jump on the rocket ship—we’re just getting started. Position OverviewLumilens is seeking a Senior Director of Manufacturing Software Engineering to lead the strategy, development, and execution of software systems enabling high-volume manufacturing of next-generation optical transceivers (800G, 1.6T, and beyond). You will build and scale manufacturing software infrastructure that drives yield, test, calibration, and production efficiency for our photonics manufacturing ecosystem. This is a critical leadership role at the intersection of software, manufacturing, and hardware systems. You will define and implement frameworks supporting end-to-end production—from wafer-level test and module assembly to system validation—ensuring high yield, reliability, and throughput at scale. The ideal candidate has deep experience in manufacturing software, test automation, and production systems in semiconductor, optical transceiver, or high-performance hardware environments, with a strong record supporting hyperscale customer deployments. Key ResponsibilitiesManufacturing Software Strategy & ExecutionDefine and lead the software roadmap for manufacturing systems supporting optical transceivers and photonic devicesArchitect scalable test, calibration, and data infrastructure for new product introduction (NPI) and high-volume manufacturing (HVM)Drive software solutions for wafer probe, module test, system-level validation, and final testEnsure seamless integration with MES systems and factory automation platforms Yield, Test & Production OptimizationDevelop software frameworks to improve yield, throughput, and cycle time across manufacturing linesLead implementation of data-driven yield analysis, failure detection, and root cause methodologiesBuild and deploy automated test and calibration systems for optical modules, including DSP tuning and optical alignmentPartner with manufacturing and quality teams to reduce escapes, improve reliability, and optimize cost Hyperscaler & Production ReadinessEnsure manufacturing software meets the scale, quality, and traceability requirements of hyperscale customersSupport customer qualifications, audits, and production ramp readinessImplement robust telemetry, logging, and traceability systemsDrive alignment between internal manufacturing systems and customer validation environments Cross-Functional LeadershipPartner closely with photonics, ASIC, hardware, systems, and operations teams to enable manufacturable product designsSupport NPI to HVM transitions with robust, production-ready software systemsInterface with foundries, OSATs, and contract manufacturers to standardize test and software infrastructureCollaborate with supply chain and operations to ensure capacity and scalability Organizational Leadership & Team BuildingBuild, lead, and scale a high-performing software manufacturing and test engineering teamEstablish best practices in software development, release management, and manufacturing deploymentDrive a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvementMentor engineers across software, test, and manufacturing domains Required QualificationsBachelor’s or advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field15+ years of experience in software engineering with significant focus on manufacturing, test, or production systems5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teamsStrong background in manufacturing software, test automation, and production systems for semiconductor, photonics, or hardware productsProven experience supporting NPI to HVM, including yield ramp and production scalingExperience working with contract manufacturers, OSATs, and/or global manufacturing partnersStrong programming experience (Python, C/C++, or similar) for automation, test, and data systemsDeep understanding of manufacturing KPIs: yield, throughput, cycle time, cost, and qualityExperience with MES systems, data pipelines, and manufacturing analytics Preferred QualificationsExperience with optical transceivers (QSFP, QSFP-DD, OSFP) and high-speed modules (400G, 800G, 1.6T)Background in silicon photonics, advanced packaging, or optical module manufacturingExperience building factory automation systems and test infrastructure at scaleFamiliarity with DSP-based systems, calibration flows, and optical performance tuningExperience supporting hyperscalers or Tier 1 data center customersExperience in fast-paced startup or high-growth environments What We OfferCompetitive executive-level compensation, including meaningful equity participationComprehensive health, dental, and vision insuranceOpportunity to build and lead a critical engineering function at a rapidly scaling photonics companyDirect impact on next-generation AI and hyperscale infrastructureCollaborative environment with world-class photonics and systems engineers