Firmware Engineer Tech Lead

Overview

Astera Labs (NASDAQ: ALAB) provides rack-scale AI infrastructure through purpose-built connectivity solutions. The company delivers end-to-end scale-up and scale-out connectivity by integrating CXL, Ethernet, NVLink, PCIe, and UALink technologies with its COSMOS software suite. This role focuses on architecting and developing firmware and microcontroller subsystems for Astera Labs’ SoC and systems products.

Firmware Engineer Tech Lead responsibilities include implementing the major differentiating features of Astera Labs’ products. Firmware is considered equally important to hardware, and the firmware team often engages with customers to ensure customer needs are fully understood.

• Strong academic and technical background in electrical engineering. A Bachelor’s in EE or Computer Science is required;
  Master’s is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience supporting or developing complex SoC/silicon products for Server, Storage, and/or Networking applications.
• Experience developing firmware to execute in on-chip microcontrollers as well as C-language software development kits (SDKs) to execute on system management controllers (e.g., BMC).
• Experience working with logic designers to architect and verify HW-SW interfaces on complex SoCs.
• Professional attitude with the ability to prioritize a dynamic list of multiple tasks, to plan and prepare for customer meetings in advance, and to work with minimal guidance and supervision.
• Entrepreneurial, open-minded behavior and a can-do attitude. Think and act fast with the customer in mind.
• Authorized to work in the US and start immediately.

• Experience with PCIe Express (Gen-3 and above) protocol, including use of analyzers and exercisers to debug protocol issues.
• High level of proficiency in C (preferred) or C++, including development of C-based SDKs.
• High level of proficiency in Python for automating pre-processors/post-processors and firmware QC.
• Working knowledge of software/firmware build environments (gcc/Make, Doxygen, Git Hub).
• Familiarity with SoC interfaces to common IP blocks such as PCIe Controllers, DDR Controllers, NVMe Controllers, AMBA/AHB interfaces, on-chip memory interfaces, and other similar interfaces.

• Experience with PAM4 Ser Des and related concepts (Tx/Rx equalization, adaptation, CDR, and Ser Des link budgets).
• Hands-on experience with PCIe devices in Server, Storage, and/or Networking equipment.
• Experience developing embedded firmware for PCIe or Ethernet Switch products.

Base salary range is $160,000 to $200,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role is eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.