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Voyant Photonics

Vice President of Silicon Engineering

Voyant Photonics, New York, New York, us, 10261

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About Voyant Photonics

Voyant Photonics is redefining machine perception with compact, high-performance LiDAR devices that fit in the palm of your hand. Leveraging cutting-edge silicon photonic chips, our sensors deliver unparalleled accuracy in range, velocity, and reflectivity, at a fraction of the cost of traditional LiDAR systems. By transforming high-precision sensing into an accessible technology, we are enabling new applications in robotics, autonomous systems, industrial automation, and beyond. At Voyant, we are not just building products, we are advancing an industry. Our breakthrough technology bridges the gap between research and real-world deployment, making high-performance LiDAR scalable and commercially viable. About Us: 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. Location:

This role is based in New York City. We offer relocation assistance and are open to remote arrangements, with monthly travel to the NYC office. Position Summary Voyant Photonics is seeking an exceptional Vice President of Silicon Engineering to lead the development of multiple mission-critical ASICs that form the electronic backbone of our FMCW LiDAR systems. Reporting directly to the Chief Science Officer, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity puts you at the forefront of building the physical AI in every moving device. You will drive silicon development from architecture through volume production, managing both internal engineering teams and external design partners to deliver complex digital and mixed-signal ASICs that seamlessly integrate with our cutting-edge silicon photonics LiDAR platform. This leadership role offers the chance to shape the silicon architecture behind breakthrough LiDAR technology in a well-funded, rapidly growing deep-tech startup. You will collaborate closely with world-class photonics and systems engineers in a highly innovative environment, helping define the future of autonomous sensing and redefining how machines perceive the world. Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership Define and drive the silicon roadmap aligned with product requirements and photonic PIC integration needs

Lead architecture and design of multiple ASICs including high-speed digital signal processing, precision analog front-ends, drivers, and power management

Discern what technologies should be integrated into the Voyant ASIC chipset and what are best left for implementation with catalog components

Establish design methodologies, flows, and best practices across advanced digital and specialty analog/BCD technology nodes

Interface closely with photonics, systems, and product teams to optimize silicon photonics co-design

Drive critical technical decisions on architecture, process selection, IP strategy, and design-for-manufacturing

Program Management Manage end-to-end ASIC development from specification through tape-out, characterization, qualification, and production ramp

Build and maintain relationships with foundries (TSMC, GlobalFoundries, etc.), IP vendors, and design service providers

In partnership with the project management organization, establish project schedules, resource plans, and budgets; track milestones and deliver to committed timelines

Implement risk management strategies and contingency planning for complex multi-project silicon development

Drive design reviews, validation plans, and post-silicon debug activities

Team Development Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing internal silicon engineering team

Recruit top talent across digital design, analog/mixed-signal design, physical design, and verification

Manage external contractors and design houses; ensure quality and alignment with internal standards

Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration

Business Impact Partner with executive leadership to align silicon strategy with business objectives and product timelines

Support customer engagements with technical presentations and roadmap discussions

Contribute to fundraising and investor communications with technical credibility

Drive cost optimization and yield improvement initiatives to meet product margin targets

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (Master's or PhD preferred)

10+ years of experience in ASIC development with at least 3 years in management or technical leadership roles

Proven track record architecting and/or managing complex mixed-signal ASIC projects through production

Deep expertise in advanced digital ASIC design methodologies

Strong knowledge of analog and mixed-signal design in specialty process technologies

Experience managing multi-project portfolios with internal teams and external design partners

Demonstrated success taking ASICs from concept through volume production and qualification

Strong understanding of ASIC cost drivers, yield optimization, and manufacturing economics

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with high-speed data converters (ADCs/DACs), pipelined DSP, and analog circuits including TIAs and high-frequency amplifiers

Background in sensor systems, imaging, LIDAR, radar, or related applications

Familiarity with silicon photonics or optical system integration

Experience with signal processing algorithms and hardware acceleration

Knowledge of functional safety standards (IEC 61508, ISO 26262) and safety-critical design practices

Knowledge of automotive, industrial, space, or other rugged environment qualification requirements (AEC-Q100, etc.)

Track record in startup or fast-paced product development environments

Existing relationships with foundries, IP vendors, and design service ecosystem

Key Competencies

Strategic thinking with strong execution discipline

Excellent communication skills across technical and business audiences

Ability to thrive in ambiguity and adapt to changing priorities

Strong cross-functional collaboration and influence skills

Results-oriented with accountability for commitments

Technical depth combined with business acumen

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary and meaningful equity package

Comprehensive health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)

Unlimited PTO and paid company holidays

Flexible work environment (Hybrid or remote with travel)

Team events and company meetups

Equal Opportunity Employer Voyant Photonics is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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