Principal Hardware Engineer

Principal Hardware Engineer
Voyant Photonics, based in the heart of New York City,  is transforming machine perception with a new class of LiDAR devices that are compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand and powerful enough to measure range, velocity, and reflectivity with unparalleled accuracy. By leveraging cutting-edge silicon photonic chips smaller than your fingertip, we deliver sensors that are not only revolutionary in performance but also affordable enough to integrate into any system.

Our technology disrupts the status quo of bulky, expensive, and power-hungry LiDAR systems, making high-precision sensing accessible for widespread adoption in robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, industrial automation, and beyond. With Voyant, the next generation of machines can see, understand, and navigate the world like never before.

Discover how we’re redefining what’s possible by making real products out of cutting-edge research in silicon photonics.

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in a hybrid hardware company. As we prepare to launch our first generation of sensors at scale, you’ll take ownership of the electronic systems that drive our photonic integrated circuit innovations. Your work will directly shape the future of high-performance, affordable LiDAR sensing technology.

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy tackling complex challenges, and are excited about transforming the sensing landscape, we’d love to hear from you.

Location: NYC preferred, remote acceptable with monthly travel to NYC.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop specialized analog and mixed-signal circuits to interface with our photonic integrated circuits, including TIAs, ADCs, current sources, signal generators, and switched-mode power supplies.
• Own the design process, from schematic creation to component selection and PCB layout, focusing on high-speed circuits (e.g., SerDes >10 Gbps), power supply sequencing, inter-board connectors, and memory.
• Manage part libraries and perform PCB layouts using Altium Designer.
• Create and execute test plans for Design Validation Testing (DVT) and production testing.
• Lead efforts for regulatory EMI compliance and certification testing.
• Collaborate closely with FPGA HDL designers to align hardware needs with pin selection, interface requirements, and routing.

Qualifications

• Experience: 7+ years of hands-on embedded electronics design experience.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead electronic hardware design from concept to production, including verification and certification.
• Expertise:
  • Performance-critical low-noise analog and/or high-speed digital design.
  • High-density routing with FPGAs, microprocessors, and high-speed memory systems.
  • Validating noise-critical circuits, mitigating EMI, and ensuring signal integrity.
• Skills:
  • Proficiency in Altium Designer and circuit simulation tools (e.g., SPICE).
  • Deep knowledge of signal/power integrity principles and tools (e.g., HyperLynx, SiWave).
  • Strong use of GHz+ oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers to assess signal quality.
• Attributes: Creative problem solver, strong communicator, and solution-oriented mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-speed data converters, electro-optic circuit interfaces, or integration of PCBs with custom analog ICs.
• Knowledge of flex and rigid-flex board designs.
• Proficiency in model-based engineering (e.g., Verilog-AMS).
• Familiarity with Verilog HDL development.
• Exposure to high-reliability or extreme-environment design (e.g., automotive).

Benefits package

• Healthcare: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Time Off: Unlimited PTO and paid company holidays.
• Flexibility: Hybrid or remote work environment with monthly travel for remote employees.