Lead Systems Application Engineer (software)

About Lumilens At Lumilens we are building the critical photonics infrastructure that powers 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’re a well-funded startup backed by Mayfield and led by veterans who’ve built and scaled some of the most transformative technologies in the industry. This isn’t incremental innovation, it’s a ground-floor opportunity to rethink the optical layer from the silicon up. You’ll work alongside a team of world-class engineers solving some of the hardest challenges in optics, systems, and scale. Every line of code, every design decision, every breakthrough you help deliver will shape the infrastructure of tomorrow. If you're looking for mission, momentum, and the chance to make an outsized impact—jump on the rocket ship. We’re just getting started. POSITION OVERVIEW We are seeking a highly skilled System Application Engineer (Software) to support next‑generation AI networking platforms and high‑speed optical interconnects. In this role, you will work closely with customers deploying 800G and 1.6T optical transceivers on 51.2T‑class and emerging switch architectures, with a strong emphasis on software integration, API‑level control, automation, and system‑level debugging. The ideal candidate brings deep experience with switch OS/SDKs, DSP and module configuration tools, embedded software workflows, and high‑speed link bring‑up—thriving at the intersection of software engineering, systems integration, and customer-facing applications. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead software‑driven system integration for 51.2T and next‑gen switches, including API configuration, automation frameworks, and module management for 800G/1.6T optical transceivers. - Serve as the primary technical interface for customers, interpreting system requirements and delivering software-supported, end‑to‑end solutions. - Debug complex interoperability issues spanning switch OS/SDKs, DSP firmware, protocol stacks (L1/L2), and optical module control interfaces. - Create and run customer demos, software workflows, and validation scripts, including switch bring‑up, link diagnostics, and performance verification. - Collaborate across software, optical, hardware, thermal, and mechanical engineering teams to ensure clean, scalable integration of optical modules into AI networking environments. - Develop scripts, tools, and automation (Python or similar) to accelerate triage, link tuning, and test execution. - Stay current on industry standards and emerging technologies in AI networking, module management protocols, and switch software architectures. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. - Strong understanding of optical transceivers, including control interfaces, configuration protocols, and performance metrics. - Extensive hands‑on experience with DSP configuration tools, module firmware interaction, and high-speed link debugging. - Deep familiarity with AI networking switch software, including OS/SDK configuration, management protocols, and Layer 1/Layer 2 behavior. - Experience working with 800G modules, 1.6T architectures, or 51.2T switches is highly desirable. - Prior experience with leading optical-transceiver or networking-system companies is a strong plus. - Strong proficiency with Python or similar scripting languages for automation, debug, and system-level validation. - Excellent analytical, communication, and customer-facing skills, with the ability to translate complex software/system issues into actionable solutions. - Ability to work independently in fast-paced environments and collaborate effectively across dispersed, cross-functional teams. Benefits: - Competitive salary and significant equity compensation in a rapidly growing, well-funded startup. - Comprehensive health, dental, and