Senior Technical Recruiter - Hardware (Contract to hire)

Role Overview 

Astera Labs is seeking a seasoned Senior Technical Recruiter to join our talent acquisition team on a contract-to-hire basis. In this strategic role, you'll own full-cycle recruiting for critical hardware engineering positions across signal integrity, hardware validation, systems engineering, and product engineering disciplines. As a hyper-growth leader in AI infrastructure connectivity, we're solving the most complex challenges in data center architecture—and you'll be instrumental in building the world-class hardware engineering teams that enable rack-scale AI and next-generation cloud infrastructure. 

You'll partner closely with engineering leadership to understand technical requirements, develop innovative sourcing strategies, and deliver exceptional candidate experiences that showcase Astera's mission to unlock the full potential of AI workloads. With deep expertise in semiconductor and silicon industry recruiting, you'll navigate competitive talent markets to identify and attract engineers who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of PCIe, CXL, and Ethernet connectivity technologies. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact at a company at the forefront of enabling the AI revolution through purpose-built connectivity solutions. 

Key Responsibilities 

Full-Cycle Recruiting Ownership 

• Manage end-to-end recruiting process for hardware engineering roles including signal integrity, hardware validation, systems engineering, and product engineering positions 
• Partner with hiring managers to define role requirements, create compelling job descriptions, and establish hiring strategies 
• Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing plans leveraging LinkedIn Recruiter, Boolean search, networking, and industry connections 
• Screen, interview, and assess technical candidates to evaluate skills, experience, and cultural fit 
• Guide candidates through the interview process, manage expectations, and deliver exceptional candidate experiences 
• Drive offer processes including compensation negotiations, offer letter preparation, and candidate closing strategies 

Strategic Talent Partnerships 

• Build trusted relationships with engineering leadership to understand team dynamics, technical roadmaps, and hiring priorities 
• Provide market intelligence, competitive insights, and recruiting metrics to inform hiring decisions 
• Advise hiring managers on talent availability, compensation benchmarks, and effective interviewing techniques 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sourcers, recruiting coordinators, and People team members to deliver seamless hiring experiences 

Process Excellence & Market Expertise 

• Maintain accurate candidate records and recruiting data in Greenhouse ATS 
• Track and report on key recruiting metrics including time-to-fill, candidate pipeline health, and offer acceptance rates 
• Stay current on semiconductor and silicon industry trends, competitive landscape, and talent market dynamics 
• Continuously optimize recruiting processes and implement best practices to improve efficiency and outcomes 
• Champion diversity recruiting initiatives to build inclusive engineering teams 

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience 
• 5+ years of full-cycle technical recruiting experience with focus on hardware engineering roles in the semiconductor or silicon industry 
• Proven track record recruiting for signal integrity, hardware validation, systems engineering, or product engineering positions 
• Strong understanding of hardware engineering disciplines, technical requirements, and semiconductor industry landscape 
• Demonstrated expertise using LinkedIn Recruiter, Greenhouse ATS, and other recruiting tools 
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with ability to influence and advise engineering leadership 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships with technical professionals 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience recruiting for AI infrastructure, connectivity technologies, or data center hardware companies 
• Familiarity with PCIe, CXL, Ethernet, or high-speed interconnect technologies 
• Advanced sourcing capabilities including Boolean search and passive candidate engagement strategies 
• Experience working in high-growth startup or fast-paced technology environments 
• Track record of successfully closing senior and principal-level engineering candidates 
• Data-driven approach to recruiting with focus on metrics and continuous improvement 

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.