Senior Talent Sourcer - Contractor

Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.

Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!

If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.

Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light!

If you’re a Recruiter/Sourcer looking to work on breakthrough technology at the intersection of photonics, silicon, and AI in a scaling deep-tech startup, this opportunity is for you! This hands-on role has a direct impact on building world-class technical teams and offers the chance to shape and influence sourcing strategy, not just execute it. You’ll partner closely with recruiters and engineering leaders in a fast-moving environment, where sourcing excellence directly enables our ability to hire and scale.

This hands-on role is not just about executing tasks;it’s about making a real impact by helping to build world-class technical teams. You’ll have the chance to shape and influence our sourcing strategy while collaborating closely with recruiters and engineering leaders in a dynamic environment. Your expertise in sourcing excellence will play a crucial role in our ability to execute and scale effectively.

Join us in this exciting journey!

Responsibilities: 

• Partner with recruiters and hiring managers to deeply understand technical requirements across photonics, silicon, hardware, packaging, firmware, systems, supply chain, and product engineering
• Proactively source and engage passive candidates using advanced research techniques across LinkedIn, GitHub, SeekOut, technical communities, publications, and professional networks
• Build and maintain long-term pipelines for hard-to-fill, high-bar technical roles in the semiconductor and photonics ecosystem
• Craft personalized, technically credible outreach that resonates with senior and niche technical talent
• Conduct high-level screening to assess technical alignment, motivation, and availability before handoff to recruiters
• Deliver consistent sourcing output and pipeline depth aligned to hiring priorities
• Maintain clean, accurate candidate data and pipeline reporting in the ATS
• Provide market intelligence on talent availability, competitor activity, and compensation trends
• Partner on diversity sourcing strategies and inclusive hiring initiatives
• Continuously experiment with new sourcing tools, AI-enabled research techniques, and outreach approaches
• Ensure a high-quality, transparent candidate experience aligned with Lightmatter’s values

Qualifications: 

• 8 years recruiting experience with a minimum of 4 years as a sourcer
• Proven experience sourcing for semiconductor and hardware roles (hardware systems, packaging, or manufacturing-adjacent functions)
• Ability to translate complex technical roles into compelling outreach and conversations
• Advanced sourcing research skills, including use of AI-enabled tools and sophisticated Boolean strategies
• Deep experience with LinkedIn Recruiter and ATS platforms
• Track record of high engagement and conversion rates with passive, senior-level candidates
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent searches in a dynamic startup environment
• Highly organized, data-driven approach with strong ATS hygiene and reporting discipline
• Collaborative mindset and strong partnership with recruiters and hiring managers

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience sourcing highly specialized or senior roles in photonics or photonics architecture
• Familiarity with semiconductor product lifecycles, tapeouts, and deep-tech hiring dynamics
• Experience building talent pipelines from scratch in a startup environment
• Experience with international sourcing and relocation
• Background supporting diversity sourcing initiatives in technical hiring

We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.

Hourly Range$66—$76 USD

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Savings Matching Program
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Paid Family Leave
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Commuter Benefits
• Flexible, hybrid workplace model
• Equity grants (applicable to full-time employees)

Benefits eligibility may vary depending on your employment status and location. Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

Export Control

Candidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.