Optical Validation Engineer

NOTE:

I have 2 roles available, Senior and Principal

As an Optical Validation Engineer at Astera Labs, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams across the company, including Engineering, Validation, Applications, and Product Management. You will be responsible for validating optical systems that incorporate Astera Labs' connectivity and memory products, which are widely deployed by leading cloud service providers, server manufacturers, and network OEMs.

In this role, you will participate in system bring-up, validation, characterization, debugging, and automation activities throughout the product lifecycle. You will work closely with senior engineers to develop test methodologies, execute validation plans, analyze results, and identify root causes of system-level issues. You will also have opportunities to contribute to process improvements and automation frameworks that enhance validation efficiency, product quality, and engineering productivity.

We are looking for candidates with a strong technical foundation who enjoy hands-on laboratory work and are passionate about solving complex engineering problems through experimentation, measurement, debugging, and data analysis. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, collaborative, and eager to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong academic and technical background in optical systems, photonics, high-speed interfaces, or related technologies.
• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Optics, Physics, or a related field.

• Hands-on laboratory experience in optical and/or high-speed electrical testing through industry work, academic research, internships, or project work.
• Familiarity with measurements such as BER, eye diagrams, and other system performance metrics.
• Experience using laboratory instruments such as oscilloscopes, DCA, Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA), and related test equipment.
• Experience with Python scripting for automation, data collection, and data analysis.

Experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Familiarity with optical modules, lasers, photodiodes, modulators, TIAs, drivers, or related technologies.
• Familiarity with laboratory instruments such as oscilloscopes, DCA, Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA), BERTs, VNA/PNA, and related characterization equipment.
• Experience in optical systems, optical modules/transceivers, high-speed systems, validation, characterization, testing, applications engineering, or related areas.
• Experience with optical module, transceiver, or optical subsystem design and development.
• Understanding of signal integrity concepts, eye diagram analysis, and link performance characterization.
• Experience with test automation, validation infrastructure development, and data analysis.
• Experience with MATLAB and/or C/C++ programming.