Principal Machine Learning Infrastructure Researcher, Lightmatter
+ Equity grants
Light-powered AI computing
Be an early applicant
Light-powered AI computing
201-500 employees
Be an early applicant
+ Equity grants
201-500 employees
Company mission
To build an engine that will power discoveries, drive progress, and redefine what computers and human beings are capable of.
Role
Who you are
- PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field and at least 10 years of industry or research experience in the field
- Solid background in Machine Learning systems research and experience with performance evaluation and performance modeling
- Hands-on experience with machine learning / deep learning methods and extensive knowledge of Large Language Model training and inference frameworks
- Academic publications in relevant journals and industry conferences
- Strong knowledge of AI systems, including compute (GPUs, TPUs, etc.) and networking (Ethernet, Infiniband, NVLink, etc.) technologies, and their various topologies, paradigms, and trade-offs
- Proven track record leading a team to deliver published results
Desirable
- Demonstrated ability to creatively problem-solve and apply first-principles thinking to generate novel ideas, particularly in ambiguous, evolving environments
- Exceptional skills in communicating complex research outcomes and technical concepts to partners and internal stakeholders, while embodying our value of speaking truth
- Ability to work across research, product, and business functions, rolling up your sleeves to bridge gaps and accelerate outcomes, while demonstrating the core value of "We are one Lightmatter."
- Adaptable and versatile, thriving in a high-speed, high-precision environment
- Experience in managing engineers and leading projects, with the ability to lift up the team, and work with high standards and high collaboration
What the job involves
- Lightmatter is seeking a Principal of Machine Learning Infrastructure Researcher to join our Machine Learning team
- This team is focused on inventing novel hardware systems using Lightmatter technology and modeling the performance of Lightmatter-enabled systems on both training and inference workloads
- This is primarily a creative role where you need to think outside the box to push the boundaries of systems research with the power of silicon photonics at your fingertips
- This role will work closely with our product, solutions architecture, and engineering teams to generate impactful performance analysis, create high-performance rack-scale designs, and publish cutting-edge ML systems research
- You'll stay up to date on the latest advancements in Machine Learning research
- Build tools to model the performance of Passage-enabled systems when running both training and inference workloads for the latest AI models
- Collaborate with our product and solutions architecture teams to design compelling reference platforms for our customers, powered by Lightmatter technology
- Function as the Machine Learning expert in the room
- Publish academic papers at top industry conferences and journals. Help support the publication of whitepapers, blog posts, and other marketing collateral
- Lead a small team of Machine Learning engineers
Our take
Neural networks and CPUs are vital to AI solutions, but manufacturers have largely failed to maintain innovation in recent years. Lightmatter solves this problem by offering a next-generation computing platform powered by photonics (light waves).
Lightmatter offers a forward-facing platform for AI-building that acts as an alternative to traditional solutions. It works by replacing wired CPUs with a combination of photonics and new algorithms. Lightmatter's solution is not only faster, but it is considerably more sustainable, and it has the potential to drive the next generation of AI development.
As of early 2026, Lightmatter had raised $850 million across six funding rounds and grown to a staggering valuation of $4.4 billion. This showcases the growing demand for faster, more effective AI-building solutions. With products already on the market and a roadmap to tackle even more components in the years ahead, the future for Lightmatter certainly looks bright.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Company
Funding (last 2 of 6 rounds)
Oct 2024
$400m
SERIES D
Dec 2023
$155m
SERIES C
Total funding: $822m
Company benefits
- Commuter benefit
- Happy hour -Spend time together and build friendships
- Generous vacation policy and holidays
- 401(K)
- Opportunity to learn from your peers and teach them what you know across electronics, photonics, machine learning, and more
Company HQ
Old Mountain View, Mountain View, CA
Leadership
Nicholas Harris
(CEO & Co-Founder)Previously worked as an R&D Product Engineer at Micron Technology, and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT.
Thomas Graham
(Head of ML & Co-Founder)Was an M&A Analyst at Morgan Stanley, and worked as an Agency Business Development Manager at Google.
Darius Bunandar
(Chief Scientist & Co-Founder)Worked as a Research Collaborator at Caltech, and was a PhD Candidate at MIT.
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