Senior Field Applications Engineer

Astera Labs is a global leader in purpose-built connectivity solutions that unlock the full potential of AI and cloud infrastructure. Our Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates PCIe®, CXL®, and Ethernet semiconductor-based solutions and the COSMOS software suite of system management and optimization tools to deliver a software-defined architecture that is both scalable and customizable. Inspired by trusted relationships with hyperscalers and the data center ecosystem, we are an innovation leader delivering products that are flexible and interoperable. Discover how we are transforming modern data-driven applications at www.asteralabs.com. 

Job Description

As an Astera Labs Regional Field Applications Engineer, you will lead a team of FAEs as a player-coach to establish the team as trusted technical advisors to the world’s leading cloud service providers, server and network OEMs by working with them to design solutions that use Astera Labs’ portfolio of connectivity products. In this role, you will need to identify and understand customer requirements, propose Astera Labs solutions that provide clear value to the customer and provide hands-on design-in support. You will drive innovation by listening to the customer requirements, working with our engineering teams to implement into the product roadmap and delivering the results back to the customer.

Basic Qualifications

• BS in electrical engineering. Master’s degree in engineering is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working with Cloud service providers and server OEM customers to design in complex SoC/silicon products for Server, Storage, and/or Networking applications.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical team as player-coach, hire and develop new & existing team members.
• Customer-oriented, Goal-driven, Self-motivated, be able to work independently and be able to travel frequently to customer sites.
• Entrepreneurial, open-mind behavior and can-do attitude. Think and act with the customer in mind!

Required Experience

• Hands-on, thorough knowledge of high-speed protocols like PCIe, Ethernet, NVMe, etc.
• Silicon/System bring-up and debug experience in customer systems.
• Experience with lab equipment including protocol analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• A strong background in high-speed board design techniques, and understanding of Data Center systems like Servers, JBOGs/JBODs, Networking switches/routers etc.
• Intermediate level of proficiency in Python for automating system validation and link optimization.
• Able to step through embedded firmware at the SerDes (SoC) or MCU level for debugging.
• Firsthand experience with lab equipment including traffic generators, analyzers, and high-speed oscilloscopes.

Preferred Experience

• Hands-on knowledge of NRZ/PAM4 SerDes-based protocols like 100/400/800G Ethernet (25G and above), PCI Express, CXL.
• Working knowledge of software/firmware build environments, gcc/Make and GitHub.
• Development/support for PCIe or Ethernet Switch products.
• Knowledge of simulation/modeling, schematic capture, and PCB layout tools from Cadence, Altium and others etc.
• Knowledge of simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, Mathworks QCD, etc. for IBIS-AMI analysis.

We know that creativity and innovation happen more often when teams include diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, and we actively encourage everyone with relevant experience to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities.