Sr. Principal DSP Architect

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 a Sr. Principal DSP Architect, you will join a team of DSP/Systems experts, digital designers, and mixed-signal design engineers developing advanced DSP SerDes for next generation 400G per lane wireline and optical interconnect for AI systems. The DSP architecture team is responsible for the following job functions.

• Research novel modulation, equalization, and FEC techniques for 400G per lane wireline and optical systems.
• Create DSP and FEC algorithms, bit/cycle accurate C/C++ models, and hardware block specifications appropriate for RTL implementation.
• Work with digital team/firmware team to optimize and implement DSP algorithms in hardware/firmware.
• Hands-on involvement in post-silicon performance tuning and optimization.
• Provide guidance on test plans for lab characterization.
• Provide support for internal customers deploying SerDes IP.

Basic Qualifications:

Master’s degree and/or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields with 5-10 years of experience with DSP architectures and algorithm development.

Required Skills:

• Solid understanding of and experience with designing adaptive DSP algorithms.
• Solid understanding of and experience with the practical aspects of digital communication and signal processing theory, including channel equalization, timing recovery, detection, and estimation.
• Good programming skills in C/C++, Matlab or Python.
• Experience in guiding and testing the transfer of high-speed numerical algorithms from C/C++ to Verilog.

Additional Useful Skills:

• Familiarity with high-speed optical and electrical channels and the DSP algorithms for compensating their impairments.
• Reading knowledge of Verilog RTL and the ability to assist with the assessment of Verilog implementations of DSP algorithms.
• Experienced with modern version control and software management systems.
• Experience with error correction (Reed-Solomon, BCH, soft decoding) in high-throughput, low-latency systems.

The base salary range is $160,000.00 USD – $260,000.00 USD. 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.