Principal Product Application Engineer

Astera Labs is a global leader in purpose-built connectivity solutions that unlock the full potential of cloud and AI infrastructure. Our Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates PCIe, CXL and Ethernet semiconductor-based solutions based on a software-defined architecture that is both scalable and customizable. Inspired by trusted partnerships with hyperscalers and the data center ecosystem, we are an innovation leader with products that are flexible, interoperable, and reliable. We are headquartered in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, with R&D centers and offices in Texas, Taiwan, China, Canada, and Israel.

As an Astera Labs Product Applications Engineer, you will be part of a team that supports design-in of Astera Labs’ portfolio of connectivity products by the world’s leading cloud service providers and server and network OEMs. In this role, you will need to provide technical guidance to customers to overcome design challenges, generate collateral for existing and new products, and drive innovation by providing insightful feedback to other internal teams to continuously improve products and processes. You will investigate and duplicate issues reported by customers, and drive critical issues to resolution. There are opportunities to support key customers directly, and also to dive deep in the lab to address the challenges associated with leading edge semiconductor products.

Basic Qualifications:

• Advanced academic and technical background in electrical engineering. A Master’s degree or higher is preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years’ experience working with cloud service providers or server or network OEM customers to design in complex SoC/silicon products for server, storage, and/or networking applications.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, open-minded approach, and can-do attitude. Think and act with the customer in mind!

Required Experience:

• Extensive experience with silicon/system bring-up, debug, and issue resolution. Demonstrated success in directing internal teams and managing customer communications.
• Deep technical expertise in post-silicon debugging of Analog/Mixed Signal IC and SERDES IP, as well as vendor and customer experience management.
• Deep technical expertise in analog filtering and digital signal processing techniques
• Deep technical expertise in high-speed interfaces, including recent experience with PCIe Gen5/6/7.
• Proficient in technical writing, with a track record of producing clear and precise documentation for both internal and external audiences.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience triaging complex customer-reported issues involving multiple layers such as silicon, firmware, hardware design, and system environment.
• Background in the development/support of PCIe or Retimer products.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment, including protocol analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes, and BERTs.
• Proficiency in software/firmware development and scripting, including C-language and Python.
• Understanding of data center systems, such as servers, AI platforms, JBOGs/JBODs, and networking switches/routers.

Salary range is $185,000 to $230,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.