Engineering Operations Director

Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.

Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!

If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.

Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light!

The Engineering Operations Director is a senior-level IC role, providing high-level support and operational leadership across all aspects of the Engineering and Operations organization. This role requires a highly strategic and results-oriented individual with strong analytical, communication, and project management skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in managing complex operations and a deep understanding of the semiconductor industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead headcount planning across various Architecture, Engineering & Supply Chain organizations, including forecasting future hiring needs based on project demands and organizational growth.
• Cross-collaborate with Finance and HR teams to align on headcount and hiring decisions.
• Gap analysis and evaluation of the capabilities and capacity of the engineering team.
• Develop and manage engineering and supply chain budgets for projects and initiatives, including tracking actual expenses against forecasts.
• Lead strategic operational initiatives to ensure efficient and effective processes & workflows to scale the business.
• Foster communication and collaboration among engineering teams and other departments to ensure alignment with the company's overall business goals.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key external partners, including suppliers and vendors to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply of materials and components.
• Drive the product cost modeling that is reliable and scalable for customer quotations.
• Orchestrate team meetings and off-sites, including developing the agenda, priorities, and messaging.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and Evidence-based Indicators (EBIs) to measure operational performance.
• Orchestrate the successful execution of key engineering projects, including new product kick-offs, technology road mapping, and significant initiatives.
• Facilitate content creation for the Engineering & Operations leadership team for internal and external communication as needed.
  
  

Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering or business or a related field.
• 12 years of experience in engineering operations management.
• Proven track record of success in optimizing processes.
• Demonstrated leadership in guiding management teams, fostering a culture of excellence, and driving continuous improvement.
• Previous experience functioning as a thought leader
• Ability to exercise a wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with budget tracking and financial forecasting.
• Previous experience with headcount planning and workforce management.
• Previous leadership, mentorship, and team-building skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in hardware in the semiconductor industry.
• MBA or equivalent
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and team-building skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  
  

We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.

Salary Range: $190,000 USD - $249,000 USD

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Savings Matching Program
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Paid Family Leave
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Commuter Benefits
• Flexible, hybrid workplace model
• Stock Option Plan
  
  

Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.