Principal Product Applications Engineer (Smart Cable Module)

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 Principal Product Application Engineer, you will be part of a team that designs-in and supports Astera Labs’ Taurus (Ethernet) & Aries (PCIe/CXL) Smart Cable Modules in the world’s leading cloud service providers, server and network OEMs. In this role, you will need to provide technical guidance to customers to overcome design challenges, generate collateral for existing and new products, and drive innovation by providing insightful feedback to other internal teams to continuously improve products and processes. There are opportunities to support key customers directly, and also to dive deep in the lab to address the challenges associated with leading edge semiconductor products.

Basic Qualifications

• Strong academic and technical background in electrical engineering or computer engineering. At minimum, a Bachelor’s in EE/CE is required, Master’s is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience working with Cloud service providers, server, or network OEM customers to design in complex SoC/silicon products for Server, Storage, and/or Networking applications.
• Entrepreneurial, open-mind behavior and can-do attitude. Think and act with the customer in mind!

Required Experience

• AOC/AEC or Switch/NIC PHY layer expertise. Experience with retimers is a plus.
• Familiarity with pluggable module hardware specifications (QSFP-DD, OSFP) and/or CMIS.
• Hands-on knowledge of NRZ/PAM4 SerDes-based protocols like 100/400/800G Ethernet (25G and above), PCIe 5.0+, InfiniBand, Fiber Channel, etc. 
• System bring-up and debug experience in customer systems.
• Intermediate level of proficiency in Python for automating system validation/debug and link optimization.
• Technical writing skills to generate clear, precise documentation including datasheets, application notes, system validation data summaries, and similar guides for internal and customer-facing audiences.

Preferred experience

• Working with silicon characterization/validation teams to ensure device performance is readily achievable in customer systems.
• Familiarity with common ethernet switch operating systems and environments (SONiC, ONIE), as well as SDKs .
• Working knowledge of software/firmware build environments, gcc/Make, Doxygen, and GitHub.
• 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.
• Intermediate level of proficiency in C (preferred) or C++.

The base salary range is $160,000 - $240,000. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions.

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.