Principal Optical Module Validation Engineer

Astera Labs•San Jose, CA

About The Position

As a Principal Optical Module Validation Engineer at Astera Labs, you will be working alongside many functions in the company, from Marketing to Engineering, Validation and Applications. You will be responsible for validating optical systems that incorporate Astera Labs’ diverse range of connectivity and memory products that are widely used by leading cloud service providers, server manufacturers, and network OEMs. You will be involved in every stage of design, from concept, test, to mass production. In addition to your core responsibilities, you will have the opportunity to drive innovation within the organization by providing insightful feedback to internal teams. Your expertise and suggestions will contribute to the continuous improvement of our products and processes. You may also collaborate on or even lead activities that are closely related, such as manufacturing, customer engagement, and post-production support. We are looking for an ideal candidate who brings industry experience, possesses innovative thinking, and demonstrates a high level of expertise in their field. Moreover, you should exhibit a proactive “do what it takes” attitude, always ready to assist and contribute wherever necessary to effectively solve problems and achieve successful outcomes.

Requirements

Strong academic and technical background in direct detect optical systems for data center applications
Bachelor’s in EE is required
Minimum of 8 years’ experience in optical link analysis and module design, from component selection and schematic capture through bring-up, debug, optimization, and validation.
Understanding of high speed (>32Gbps) signal and power integrity challenges for electro-optical interfaces
Technical knowledge of single mode (preferred) and/or multimode optical systems design, simulation and manufacturing.
Optical simulation flow experience for link analysis
Optical system bring-up and debug experience.
Hands-on optical equipment measurements such as TDECQ, Laser Rin and/or optical system BER
Understanding of FW closed-loop systems required for laser, modulator, and PD systems
Track record of taking products from concept to mass production

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Working with mechanical and thermal teams to create achievable system design specifications.
Working with silicon characterization/validation teams to ensure device performance is readily achievable in customer systems.
Technical writing skills to generate clear, precise documentation such as hardware specifications and user’s guides for internal and customer-facing audiences.
Experience in “adjacent” areas such as manufacturing, quality, compliance.
Experience working with CMs, OSTATs and other external suppliers

Responsibilities

Validating optical systems that incorporate Astera Labs’ diverse range of connectivity and memory products.
Involvement in every stage of design, from concept, test, to mass production.
Driving innovation within the organization by providing insightful feedback to internal teams.
Collaborating on or leading activities such as manufacturing, customer engagement, and post-production support.