Senior Technical Recruiter - Optical/Photonics (Contract to hire)

Astera Labs (NASDAQ: ALAB) provides rack-scale AI infrastructure through purpose-built connectivity solutions. By collaborating with hyperscalers and ecosystem partners, Astera Labs enables organizations to unlock the full potential of modern AI. Astera Labs’ Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates CXL®, Ethernet, NVLink, PCIe®, and UALink™ semiconductor-based technologies with the company’s COSMOS software suite to unify diverse components into cohesive, flexible systems that deliver end-to-end scale-up, and scale-out connectivity. The company’s custom connectivity solutions business complements its standards-based portfolio, enabling customers to deploy tailored architectures to meet their unique infrastructure requirements. Discover more at www.asteralabs.com.

We are looking for someone who has successfully built and scaled PIC engineering, design, process, packaging, and test validation teams in the silicon photonics and optical module ecosystem — someone who speaks the language of modulators, lasers, waveguides, heterogeneous integration, silicon photonics platforms, and co-packaged electro-optics.

If you have a proven track record of identifying, attracting, and closing senior PhD-level photonics engineers, silicon photonics architects, packaging specialists, and process leaders in this highly competitive space, we want to talk to you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own end-to-end talent acquisition strategy and execution for critical Photonics Talent including:
  • Silicon Photonics Design Engineers (PIC layout, simulation, high-speed modulators, detectors)
  • Photonic Packaging & Integration Engineers (heterogeneous integration, co-packaging, 2.5D/3D assembly)
  • Process & Fabrication Engineers (silicon photonics foundry processes, III-V integration, yield optimization)
  • Test & Characterization Engineers (wafer-level, chip-level, optical/electro-optical testing)
  • Optical Systems & Module Architects (CPO/NPO system design, link budgets, DSP integration)
• Build and maintain a high-quality, always-on talent pipeline of passive candidates in the global photonics ecosystem (US, Europe, Asia-Pacific).
• Leverage deep industry networks.
• Partner closely with hiring managers, technical leads, and executive stakeholders to deeply understand technical requirements, team culture, and success profiles.
• Develop and execute targeted sourcing strategies: Boolean searches, LinkedIn X-ray, conference mining (OFC, ECOC, Photonics West, IEEE Photonics Conference), university outreach, and referral programs.
• Manage full-cycle recruiting: sourcing → screening → interview coordination → offer negotiation → close — with a focus on speed-to-hire without sacrificing quality.
• Track and report key metrics (time-to-fill, source of hire, offer acceptance rate, diversity in pipeline) and continuously improve processes.
• Represent the company as a thought leader in photonics talent acquisition at industry events, panels, and online communities.

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of full-cycle technical recruiting experience, with at least 4+ years specializing in photonics, silicon photonics, or optical communications.
• Demonstrated success building silicon photonics teams designing electrical and optical engines, optical interconnects, or high-speed optical devices.
• Strong technical fluency in:
  • Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs)
  • Silicon photonics platforms (SOI, SiN, heterogeneous integration)
  • Optical packaging, laser integration, modulators (MZ, ring, EAM), photodetectors
  • High-speed optical-electrical interfaces for AI/ML and data center applications
• Proven ability to attract and close passive, top-tier PhD and senior engineering talent in a competitive market.
• Exceptional network within the photonics, silicon photonics, and optical module community.
• Experience working with executive stakeholders and engineering leaders in fast-moving, innovative-driven environments.

Compensation 

Hourly pay range is $50 to $75 depending on experience and qualifications. This is a contract-to-hire position with potential for conversion to full-time employment. 

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.