Principal Supplier / Manufacturing 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: 

We are seeking an experienced leader to drive Supplier / Manufacturing Quality Engineering to anchor our global supplier quality efforts across both Astera Lab’s semiconductor and board-level products. In this role, candidates will drive leading supplier quality across key manufacturing partners including IC fabs, OSAT’s, and PCB/PCBA vendors.  A strong foundation in supplier quality engineering, uniquely paired with experience in advanced data analytics (including AI and machine learning) for predictive quality, risk assessments, and product quality analytics will be highly valuable to this role.

Responsibilities:

Supplier Quality Management

• Nurture winning partnerships across all our strategic manufacturing suppliers: semiconductor wafer fabs, advanced packaging & test (OSAT), boards & assemblies (PCB / PCBA / SMT), substrates / interposers, probe cards, and passive components.
• Develop robust supplier selection and onboarding processes in collaboration with Design, Procurement, Business & Engineering Operations teams.
• Define, build, and manage the systems to collect the data (KPI’s) needed to track supplier performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Audit to assess the effectiveness of supplier process controls, manufacturing capabilities, and overall quality management system.
• Coach suppliers by sharing your deep manufacturing experience and knowledge. 
• International travel as needed, potentially on short notice. There is no minimum amount but prepare to accommodate up to 20%.

Advanced Data Analytics & AI/ML

• Create data collection methods to enable product and supplier advanced data analytics needed for monolithic, chiplet, and board products.  Data sources will include manufacturing inline controls, production test (including data collection from advanced embedded agents), and failure analysis activities.
• Leverage data into quality models & methods to predict product quality issues and supply chain risks.
• Integrate AI/ML tools into quality systems and dashboards (e.g., outlier screening, automated defect detection, trend analysis, real-time alerts).
• Experience with AI/ML tools is a plus but not required; ability to work with technical partners on model development is key.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Interface with R&D, NPI, product engineering, ops and other engineering teams to provide supplier input into product design and DFX.
• Support early supplier involvement and ensure quality requirements needed for manufacturability & testability are achieved, and learnings are propagated appropriately to other products in production & development.
• Represent supplier quality as needed in line failure reviews, excursion management, material reviews (MRB), and CAPA processes.
• Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams to conduct quarterly engineering reviews, evaluate supplier changes (PCN), and assess supplier risks.
• With engineering engagement, lead quality audits, and corrective action activities using tools such as 8D, 5-why, and FMEA.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of career progression in supplier quality engineering in the semiconductor and/or board-level electronics industry.
• 3+ years direct experience working embedded within a high volume advanced manufacturing operation in an engineering role.
• Experience with supplier development in Asia with global manufacturing supply chains.
• Six Sigma or ASQ certification a plus

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of IC fabrication, packaging (including chiplet), board assembly (SMT), and test processes.
• Familiarity with reliability qualification methodologies in the application of IPC, Telcordia, JEDEC requirements.
• Proficiency with quality engineering tools (FMEA, APQP, PPAP, SPC, OE, etc.).
• Experience using analytics tools (e.g., JMP, SQL, Excel) to support quality insights. Exposure to AI/ML frameworks is a plus, but not required.

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.