Lucidean · 2 days ago
Director of Engineering Operations
Goleta, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
8+ years expLucidean is pioneering the next generation of optical communications to unlock faster, more efficient AI data centers. As the Director of Engineering Operations, you will drive alignment and coordination across various engineering teams, ensuring successful execution of complex hardware and photonics programs from concept to demonstration and product deployment.
Network SecuritySemiconductorSoftware
Responsibilities
Own cross-functional execution roadmap across PIC, lab, systems, firmware, packaging, and module
Drive overall product engineering including milestone target setting and tracking
Maintain the master plan for tapeouts, demos, customer pilot builds, and module development
Implement execution frameworks, OKR tracking, risk management, and dependency management
Coordinate with Co-CTOs to translate architecture and PIC requirements into end products
Ensure deliverables across PIC, test, firmware, packaging, and module engineering align cleanly
Oversee lab operations and test flows to ensure proper prioritization and efficient output
Drive critical link demos, fiber testing, and stability testing through product development
Mentor engineers on communication, documentation, and measurement readiness
Work with the Head of Product to align engineering output with customer requirements
Support customer and partner technical interactions (hyperscalers, module vendors, ASIC vendors)
Qualification
Required
8–15+ years in optical transceivers, silicon photonics, optical modules, or high-speed hardware
Understanding of optical link architecture, PIC-based transceivers, WDM systems, coupling/packaging
Proven success driving complex hardware programs or multi-disciplinary engineering teams
Proven track record engineering pluggable modules and/or custom module form factors
Exceptional organizational skill and ability to create clarity from ambiguity
High energy and urgency, able to drive teams to aggressive milestones
Strong communication and coaching/mentoring ability
Experience with lab workflows, test planning, validation cycles, and hardware bring-up
Experience with silicon photonics tapeout cycles
Experience in early-stage startups
Leadership experience in program management, engineering operations, or NPI
Familiarity with reliability and qualification flows
Experience engaging hyperscalers or large module customers
Benefits
Competitive salary
Equity options
Comprehensive benefits package
Company
Lucidean
Lucidean develops optical links for AI and data center networks, combining photonics with electronics to increase bandwidth and reduce power
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$18.4M2025-12-11Seed· $18.4M
Leadership Team
James Raring
Chief Executive Officer
Aaron Maharry
Co-Founder and Co-CTO
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