Firmware Engineer Tech Lead

Astera Labs•San Jose, CA

6d•$160,000 - $200,000

About The Position

The mission of this role is to architect and develop firmware and microcontroller subsystems for Astera Labs’ SoC and systems products. As a Firmware Engineer Tech Lead you are responsible for implementing the major differentiating features of Astera Labs’ products. As such, firmware is considered equally important to the hardware, and the firmware team is often customer-facing accordingly to ensure the needs of the customer are fully comprehended.

Requirements

Strong academic and technical background in electrical engineering.
Bachelor’s in EE or Computer Science required, Master’s 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.
Experience developing 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.
Ability to plan and prepare for customer meetings in advance.
Ability to work with minimal guidance and supervision.
Entrepreneurial, open-minded behavior and can-do attitude.
Think and act fast with the customer in mind!
Authorized to work in the US and start immediately.
Experience working on PCIe-Express (Gen-3 and above) protocol, including working with analyzers and exercisers to debug protocol issues.
High level of proficiency in C (preferred) or C++.
Development of C-based SDKs.
High level of proficiency in Python for automating pre-processors/post-processors and FW QC.
Working knowledge of software/firmware build environments, gcc/Make, Doxygen, and GitHub.
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.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in EE or Computer Science.
Experience with PAM4 SerDes with working knowledge of Tx/Rx equalization, adaptation, CDR and SerDes 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.

Responsibilities

Architect and develop firmware and microcontroller subsystems for Astera Labs’ SoC and systems products.
Implement major differentiating features of Astera Labs’ products.
Ensure the needs of the customer are fully comprehended, as the firmware team is often customer-facing.