Senior Director, Manufacturing Software Engineering
Job description
Senior Director, Manufacturing Software Engineering
About Lumilens
At 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 Overview
Lumilens 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 Responsibilities
Manufacturing Software Strategy & Execution
Define and lead the software roadmap for manufacturing systems supporting optical transceivers and photonic devices
Architect 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 test
Ensure seamless integration with MES systems and factory automation platforms
Yield, Test & Production Optimization
Develop software frameworks to improve yield, throughput, and cycle time across manufacturing lines
Lead implementation of data-driven yield analysis, failure detection, and root cause methodologies
Build and deploy automated test and calibration systems for optical modules, including DSP tuning and optical alignment
Partner with manufacturing and quality teams to reduce escapes, improve reliability, and optimize cost
Hyperscaler & Production Readiness
Ensure manufacturing software meets the scale, quality, and traceability requirements of hyperscale customers
Support customer qualifications, audits, and production ramp readiness
Implement robust telemetry, logging, and traceability systems
Drive alignment between internal manufacturing systems and customer validation environments
Cross-Functional Leadership
Partner closely with photonics, ASIC, hardware, systems, and operations teams to enable manufacturable product designs
Support NPI to HVM transitions with robust, production-ready software systems
Interface with foundries, OSATs, and contract manufacturers to standardize test and software infrastructure
Collaborate with supply chain and operations to ensure capacity and scalability
Organizational Leadership & Team Building
Build, lead, and scale a high-performing software manufacturing and test engineering team
Establish best practices in software development, release management, and manufacturing deployment
Drive a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement
Mentor engineers across software, test, and manufacturing domains
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
15+ years of experience in software engineering with significant focus on manufacturing, test, or production systems
5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams
Strong background in manufacturing software, test automation, and production systems for semiconductor, photonics, or hardware products
Proven experience supporting NPI to HVM, including yield ramp and production scaling
Experience working with contract manufacturers, OSATs, and/or global manufacturing partners
Strong programming experience (Python, C/C++, or similar) for automation, test, and data systems
Deep understanding of manufacturing KPIs: yield, throughput, cycle time, cost, and quality
Experience with MES systems, data pipelines, and manufacturing analytics
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with optical transceivers (QSFP, QSFP-DD, OSFP) and high-speed modules (400G, 800G, 1.6T)
Background in silicon photonics, advanced packaging, or optical module manufacturing
Experience building factory automation systems and test infrastructure at scale
Familiarity with DSP-based systems, calibration flows, and optical performance tuning
Experience supporting hyperscalers or Tier 1 data center customers
Experience in fast-paced startup or high-growth environments
What We Offer
Competitive executive-level compensation, including meaningful equity participation
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Opportunity to build and lead a critical engineering function at a rapidly scaling photonics company
Direct impact on next-generation AI and hyperscale infrastructure
Collaborative environment with world-class photonics and systems engineers