Principal Hardware Supplier Quality 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:

Astera Labs is growing our Quality organization to meet rapid growth in customer demand for our innovative products. As an Astera Labs Principal Supplier Quality Engineer, you will own all supplier based quality escalations, drive resolution to quality challenges, and communicate resolutions effectively to customers.

Based in Santa Clara, this position requires an in-person presence, offering a unique opportunity to impact our global operations directly.

Responsibilities:

• Manage supplier related quality escalations. Our suppliers range from CMs/OSATs/Fabs in Asia to software that is used to design chips
• Drive audit process at suppliers so that we are confident that upstream production is at the high standard Astera Labs holds itself to
• Develop exceptional internal relationships to leverage as the supplier quality expert, our products are complex supplier quality escalations will require multiple functions input at times
• Proactively derisk supplier processes to reduce supplier-based quality issues as much as possible
• 20% Travel is to be expected

Basic qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s in Engineering while a Master’s degree is preferred.  
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience driving supplier quality engagements with OSATs, CMs, Fabs, as well as EDA Tool Suppliers

 Required experience:

• Excellent communication and soft skills are essential.  You will need to lead cross-functional teams to drive resolution for supplier related customer quality challenges
• Direct experience working in a high-volume manufacturing setting in an engineering role
• While daily lab work is not a part of this role, a strong candidate will come from a background of relevant hands-on electrical engineering so that supplier related quality issues can be addressed rapidly
• Deep experience dealing with auditing suppliers in Asia. The ideal candidate should be comfortable in an electronics factory setting and able to quickly identify issues or risks
• Expert in excursion management, able to look at a complex supplier-based quality issue and rapidly isolate the most likely culprits
• Astera Labs is less than 10 years old and in a steep portion of the growth curve.  Rather than relying on precedent, you will be required to invent and build out new processes and solutions for yourself. 

Preferred experience:

• Demonstrated supplier audit expertise with ASQ certification
• Experience with PCIe, Ethernet, CXL, high-speed products
• The ideal candidate will have experience working with high-speed chips, PCBA, as well as with EDA tools and software

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.