Lab Manager

About Celestial AI

As Generative AI continues to advance, the performance drivers for data center infrastructure are shifting from systems-on-chip (SOCs) to systems of chips. In the era of Accelerated Computing, data center bottlenecks are no longer limited to compute performance, but rather the system’s interconnect bandwidth, memory bandwidth, and memory capacity. Celestial AI’s Photonic Fabric™ is the next-generation interconnect technology that delivers a tenfold increase in performance and energy efficiency compared to competing solutions.

The Photonic Fabric™ is available to our customers in multiple technology offerings, including optical interface chiplets, optical interposers, and Optical Multi-chip Interconnect Bridges (OMIB). This allows customers to easily incorporate high bandwidth, low power, and low latency optical interfaces into their AI accelerators and GPUs. The technology is fully compatible with both protocol and physical layers, including standard 2.5D packaging processes. This seamless integration enables XPUs to utilize optical interconnects for both compute-to-compute and compute-to-memory fabrics, achieving bandwidths in the tens of terabits per second with nanosecond latencies.

This innovation empowers hyperscalers to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of AI processing by optimizing the XPUs required for training and inference, while significantly reducing the TCO2 impact. To bolster customer collaborations, Celestial AI is developing a Photonic Fabric ecosystem consisting of tier-1 partnerships that include custom silicon/ASIC design, system integrators, HBM memory, assembly, and packaging suppliers.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced and organized Lab Manager to oversee the daily operations of our Silicon and Optoelectronics Characterization Laboratory. The lab includes environmental test capabilities, advanced characterization tools, and various test chips. The ideal candidate will manage test schedules, maintain and optimize test benches, and ensure the proper functioning of instrumentation and software. This role requires strong technical expertise, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Laboratory Operations

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Silicon and Optoelectronics Characterization Laboratory, ensuring a safe, efficient, and productive working environment.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including test chips, consumables, and spare parts.
• Develop and enforce lab safety protocols, procedures, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and functional workspace for all laboratory personnel.

Test Schedules and Bench Management

• Coordinate and manage test schedules to meet project deadlines and team priorities.
• Assign resources and manage access to test benches and specialized equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to prioritize test activities and resolve scheduling conflicts.

Instrumentation and Software Management

• Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and repair of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Ensure the availability and functionality of software used for data acquisition and analysis.
• Evaluate and recommend new equipment and software upgrades to improve lab capabilities.
• Maintain detailed records of equipment usage, maintenance, and calibration schedules.

Collaboration and Communication

• Act as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders utilizing the lab’s facilities.
• Train and support laboratory users in the operation of equipment and adherence to protocols.
• Foster a collaborative environment by facilitating knowledge sharing and technical discussions.

Data and Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of experiments, test results, and data logs.
• Prepare reports and summaries for stakeholders on lab activities, equipment status, and project progress.
• Ensure proper version control and backup of critical data and software configurations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a laboratory or technical environment, with a focus on silicon and optoelectronics characterization.
• Strong knowledge of characterization techniques, environmental testing, and optoelectronic devices.
• Experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and associated software tools.
• Proven ability to manage schedules, prioritize tasks, and coordinate multiple projects.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills for both hardware and software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with relevant software tools (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python).
• Working knowledge of Confluence and JIRA

Location: Santa Clara, CA

As an early startup experiencing explosive growth, we offer an extremely attractive total compensation package, inclusive of competitive base salary, bonus and a generous grant of our valuable early-stage equity. The target base salary for this role is approximately $180,000.00 - $220,000.00. The base salary offered may be slightly higher or lower than the target base salary, based on the final scope as determined by the depth of the experience and skills demonstrated by candidate in the interviews.

We offer great benefits (health, vision, dental and life insurance), collaborative and continuous learning work environment, where you will get a chance to work with smart and dedicated people engaged in developing the next generation architecture for high performance computing.

Celestial AI Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

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