Electrical Engineer
ASIC Applications and LDA Development
Bright Silicon Technologies  |  Pleasanton, CA  |  Full time

About the Role

Bright Silicon Technologies (BST) develops precision optical systems built around our Lightfield Directing Array (LDA), a MEMS micromirror array for fast, precise control of light. Custom electronics drive and sense the motion of these devices, supporting applications in optical communications, tracking, and light control. Characterizing and integrating these electronics is central to advancing the LDA from research into reliable products.
We’re looking for an electrical engineer to own the specification, qualification, and integration of custom silicon for our LDA technology. You’ll develop test boards, instrumentation, and automated test systems to characterize mixed-signal ASICs, evaluate their reliability, and integrate them with MEMS hardware. Working with our mechanical, software, production, and product teams, you’ll turn laboratory measurements and system requirements into validated hardware and specifications for the next generation of LDA devices.

What you’ll do

• Lead the development of electronics and PCBAs for acceptance testing, performance qualification, and long-term reliability testing of custom ASICs for LDA applications.
• Work across mixed-signal ASICs, high-voltage electronics, digital and FPGA systems, embedded MCUs and MPUs, DACs and ADCs, analog and digital signal processing, environmental test equipment, and automated test software.
• Develop test plans and test apparatus, create schematics and PCB layouts, source components and board fabrication, validate hardware, and execute and scale test programs for silicon received from the foundry.
• Characterize many-channel MEMS actuation and position sensing ICs, conduct environmental and ongoing reliability testing, and develop LDA instrumentation and calibration systems.
• Define requirements for custom ICs in next-generation LDA systems, including digital, analog, and high-voltage designs that improve performance, power consumption, size, cost, and supply chain resilience.
• Develop solutions for product lifecycle management and scaling to production, troubleshoot field issues, and verify that deliverables meet product-level requirements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, production, software, and product teams to understand user requirements for ASICs and test equipment, define subsystem requirements, and integrate hardware and software across disciplines.
• Source components and services and manage relationships with external customers and vendors.
• Prepare clear technical documentation for internal use and external release.

What we’re looking for

• A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least five years of relevant work experience.
• Experience in full-stack PCB design, including detailed specifications, design, hardware bring-up, and integration.
• Experience with ECAD tools such as Altium, Allegro/OrCAD, Eagle, KiCad, or equivalent.
• Experience using electronic test equipment and troubleshooting hardware issues.
• Experience with a numerical or scripting language such as Python, MATLAB, or equivalent.
• Clear communication and experience working with cross-functional, distributed teams.
• A proactive approach to identifying technical risks, managing dependencies, and taking ownership of engineering problems.
• A systems perspective and the attention to detail needed to resolve design and integration challenges.
• U.S. citizenship.

Nice to have

• A master’s or doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with custom ASIC or silicon design, verification, tape-out, testing, or system integration and implementation.
• Experience developing dedicated test fixtures or test automation.
• Experience designing boards that incorporate FPGAs, custom silicon, or data acquisition systems.
• FPGA or RTL development experience.
• Experience with advanced electronics packaging design.
• Experience designing and modeling high-voltage circuits above 200 V at the chip, board, or system level.
• Experience with embedded systems architecture or firmware development.
• Experience with circuit simulation tools for analog, digital, or RF designs.
• Experience with semiconductor fabrication or MEMS technology.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At BST we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Why BST

• See your work in functioning hardware as you take custom silicon through characterization, qualification, and integration with precision optical MEMS devices.
• Help shape future LDA technology by translating performance measurements, reliability results, and integration findings into requirements for the next generation of ICs.
• Work closely with colleagues across electronics, MEMS, software, and production, with meaningful technical ownership, competitive compensation and equity, and a sustainable approach to work.

Company Overview

At Bright, we build precision optical systems to guide data for a new era of communication. Our team combines precision engineering, optical design, and product development to commercialize the Lightfield Directing Array. Applications include laser communications, optical switching for data centers, lidar, and additive manufacturing.
Founded in 2020, Bright Silicon Technologies is building an enduring technology manufacturing company. You’ll contribute to the development, launch, and scaling of advanced optical products. We offer competitive salaries and equity incentives, and we value effective engineering alongside long-term work/life balance.
Our benefits include:

• Equity Incentive Plan
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with other voluntary benefits
• 3% employer contribution to employee 401(k)
• Development and career growth opportunities
• Generous paid time off and paid company holidays

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