Senior Technical Recruiter - Optical/Photonics (Contract to hire)

Astera Labs • San Jose, CA

18h

About The Position

Astera Labs (NASDAQ: ALAB) provides rack-scale AI infrastructure through purpose-built connectivity solutions, collaborating with hyperscalers and ecosystem partners to unlock the full potential of modern AI. Their Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates various semiconductor-based technologies with the COSMOS software suite to unify diverse components into cohesive, flexible systems for end-to-end scale-up and scale-out connectivity. The company also offers custom connectivity solutions. Astera Labs is seeking a Senior Technical Recruiter who has successfully built and scaled PIC engineering, design, process, packaging, and test validation teams within the silicon photonics and optical module ecosystem. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of identifying, attracting, and closing senior PhD-level photonics engineers, silicon photonics architects, packaging specialists, and process leaders in this highly competitive field.

Requirements

• 7+ years of full-cycle technical recruiting experience, with at least 4+ years specializing in photonics, silicon photonics, or optical communications.
• Demonstrated success building silicon photonics teams designing electrical and optical engines, optical interconnects, or high-speed optical devices.
• Strong technical fluency in: Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), Silicon photonics platforms (SOI, SiN, heterogeneous integration), Optical packaging, laser integration, modulators (MZ, ring, EAM), photodetectors, High-speed optical-electrical interfaces for AI/ML and data center applications
• Proven ability to attract and close passive, top-tier PhD and senior engineering talent in a competitive market.
• Exceptional network within the photonics, silicon photonics, and optical module community.
• Experience working with executive stakeholders and engineering leaders in fast-moving, innovative-driven environments.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end talent acquisition strategy and execution for critical Photonics Talent including: Silicon Photonics Design Engineers (PIC layout, simulation, high-speed modulators, detectors), Photonic Packaging & Integration Engineers (heterogeneous integration, co-packaging, 2.5D/3D assembly), Process & Fabrication Engineers (silicon photonics foundry processes, III-V integration, yield optimization), Test & Characterization Engineers (wafer-level, chip-level, optical/electro-optical testing), Optical Systems & Module Architects (CPO/NPO system design, link budgets, DSP integration)
• Build and maintain a high-quality, always-on talent pipeline of passive candidates in the global photonics ecosystem (US, Europe, Asia-Pacific).
• Leverage deep industry networks.
• Partner closely with hiring managers, technical leads, and executive stakeholders to deeply understand technical requirements, team culture, and success profiles.
• Develop and execute targeted sourcing strategies: Boolean searches, LinkedIn X-ray, conference mining (OFC, ECOC, Photonics West, IEEE Photonics Conference), university outreach, and referral programs.
• Manage full-cycle recruiting: sourcing screening interview coordination offer negotiation close with a focus on speed-to-hire without sacrificing quality.
• Track and report key metrics (time-to-fill, source of hire, offer acceptance rate, diversity in pipeline) and continuously improve processes.
• Represent the company as a thought leader in photonics talent acquisition at industry events, panels, and online communities.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees