Photonics Lidar Technical Lead

About us:

Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions. 

Role Overview:

As a Photonics Lidar Technical Lead you will be partnering with cross functional teams to deliver photonics based FMCW lidar systems to the market.  You will engage with the internal teams to model and analyze novel lidar solutions to deliver products to various lidar and depth sensing markets.  This role requires excellent understanding of design trade-offs spanning photonics, electro-optical interfaces, scanning systems, and mechanical/ 3D integration.  You will lead the development from initial concept to the full system POC demonstrating they meet the specifications.  You will also own and define the engineering specifications for the final product and guide the product development.

• Be the technical point person during development from initial concept and to the full system POC
• Detailed simulations and modeling of link, power, and thermal budgets to deliver lidar systems to specification
• Validate models by designing and conducting experiments for empirical data collection and analysis
• Work closely with photonics designers, optics, mechanical engineers, and system engineers to create system POC and provide technical guidance for full system prototype designs
• Manage core technical details of new photonics prototypes and systems to ensure key results from concept phase translate through to full system demonstration
• Perform FA and debugging for early prototypes

• Experience with lidar systems and depth sensors, preferably chip scale implementations
• Strong background in system level modeling for lidar
• 3-5 years of hands-on experience in characterization of lidar systems, photonic components, subassemblies, and/or modules
• Deep understanding of design trade offs to build industry leading lidar systems
• Excellent understanding of active and passive photonics components, electrical components, and thermal/mechanical interfaces
• MS or PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or another photonics related field
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with an ability to learn on the fly
• Experience using python, MATLAB, JMP, R, or similar for modelling and data analysis

• Be part of a fast paced and dynamic team
• Very competitive compensation and meaningful stock grants
• Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more
• Unlimited PTO: We care about results, not punching timecards