Director of Silicon Operations

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. At Lumilens, we’re developing high-speed photonics products purpose-built to power the future of AI infrastructure and high-performance computing.

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 scaling optical systems. 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.

The Role

As Director of Operations, Silicon Photonics, you will lead the strategy and execution of manufacturing operations across our photonics process technologies, including silicon photonics integration, advanced packaging, and optical module assembly.

You will be responsible for scaling manufacturing capability, driving cost and yield breakthroughs, and aligning internal teams and external partners (foundries, OSATs, and equipment suppliers) to deliver world-class performance. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, supply chain, and production, and is critical to transitioning Lumilens from development to high-volume manufacturing.

What You’ll Do

Drive Manufacturing Scale & Performance

• Lead the ramp of silicon photonics manufacturing from pilot to high-volume production across internal and external sites

• Drive yield, throughput, cycle time, and cost improvements across wafer fabrication, packaging, and module assembly

• Establish and optimize manufacturing KPIs (“big rocks”) aligned to company milestones and customer delivery commitments

• Implement data-driven operational excellence frameworks across the manufacturing network

Own Global Manufacturing Strategy & Execution

• Define and execute the manufacturing roadmap across foundry, OSAT, and internal assembly/test partners

• Ensure alignment across global sites on process flows, tooling strategies, and capacity planning

• Drive equipment and process standardization, including Tool of Record (TOR) and qualification strategies

• Partner with supply chain to ensure capacity, cost targets, and supplier performance are met

Partner with Engineering & Suppliers

• Work cross-functionally with process, device, and packaging engineering teams to transition new products (NPI → HVM)

• Interface with foundries and strategic suppliers to align on technology roadmaps, yield improvements, and cost reductions

• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) initiatives across photonics and packaging

• Leverage partners to accelerate innovation, benchmarking, and continuous improvement

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Establish benchmarking practices to identify performance gaps and prioritize improvements

• Lead initiatives across yield enhancement, defect reduction, equipment utilization, and cycle time optimization

• Drive capital planning and equipment strategy to support scaling needs

• Ensure robust process control, reliability, and quality systems are in place

Leadership

• Build, lead, and scale a high-performing operations team across multiple disciplines and geographies

• Foster a culture of accountability, urgency, and continuous improvement

• Lead through influence across engineering, supply chain, and external partners

• Develop future leaders and create a strong talent pipeline as the organization grows

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor or silicon photonics manufacturing

• 5+ years of leadership experience managing cross-functional or multi-site teams

• Masters/PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or related field

• Strong background in one or more areas: silicon photonics, CMOS manufacturing, advanced packaging, or optical module production

• Proven track record of scaling manufacturing (NPI to HVM), including yield ramp and cost reduction

• Experience working with foundries, OSATs, and global supply chain partners

• Deep understanding of manufacturing KPIs: yield, cycle time, throughput, cost, and quality

• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and drive alignment across complex organizations

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, startup environment with evolving priorities

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance

• Professional development opportunities and certification support

• Access to cutting-edge photonics technology and advanced packaging environments

• Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams solving complex engineering challenges

*Lumilens is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, identity, orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.