Hardware Lab Engineer
Astera Labs
$160,000 / year
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Description
Astera Labs (NASDAQ: ALAB) provides rack-scale AI infrastructure through purpose-built connectivity solutions. By collaborating with hyperscalers and ecosystem partners, Astera Labs enables organizations to unlock the full potential of modern AI. Astera Labs’ Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates CXL®, Ethernet, NVLink, PCIe®, and UALink™ semiconductor-based technologies with the company’s COSMOS software suite to unify diverse components into cohesive, flexible systems that deliver end-to-end scale-up, and scale-out connectivity. The company’s custom connectivity solutions business complements its standards-based portfolio, enabling customers to deploy tailored architectures to meet their unique infrastructure requirements. Discover more at www.asteralabs.com.
Overview
Astera Labs Inc. is seeking an experienced and self-driven Hardware Lab Engineer to join our dynamic team in developing world class connectivity products for AI infrastructure.
Job Description
This role will work closely with firmware, system validation, quality, and product engineers to support silicon bring-up, characterization, and debug activities through hands-on lab execution. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of circuits, hands-on experience with PCBAs and silicon test environments, and the ability to work on complex, open-ended tasks with minimal oversight.
Key Responsibilities
- Setup and maintain test environments for silicon validation and characterization. Configure and update hardware, software, firmware, and applications. Replicate BKCs.
- Conduct hands-on testing of silicon devices including PCIe Gen5/6/7, CXL, Ethernet, and other high-speed interfaces
- Install and configure servers, including FW, BIOS, OS, and network
- RMA intake/triage: inspection, electrical verification, screening (including CSAM inspection), and prioritization
- Manage logistics and communications with external labs
- Organize, track, and distribute lab equipment, hardware, and peripherals
- Ad hoc PCBA rework and soldering of fine-pitch SMD components
- Develop, document, and maintain lab procedures
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- 5-12+ years of hands-on experience in lab environments supporting silicon validation or hardware development
- Proficiency with high-speed test equipment (oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, BERTs, multimeters)
- Experience with high-speed interface testing (PCIe, CXL, DDR, Ethernet, or SerDes)
- Strong programming skills in Python for test automation
- Familiarity with Linux operating systems and command-line tools
- Demonstrated experience coordinating with third-party testing laboratories and managing logistics, including sample shipping, chain of custody, and scheduling
- Strong organizational skills for managing multiple RMA cases simultaneously and prioritizing based on severity/impact
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with post-silicon validation of ASICs, SoCs, or Retimer/PHY products
- Knowledge of analog/mixed-signal circuit testing and debugging techniques
- Experience with JTAG, I2C, SPI, and other embedded interfaces
- Familiarity with PCB design, schematic reading, and signal integrity concepts
- Knowledge of data center systems architecture (servers, AI platforms, networking equipment)
- Understanding of ATE (Automated Test Equipment) systems and production test methodologies
- Experience with defect screening methodologies including visual inspection, electrical testing, and acoustic imaging
- Experience with complete RMA lifecycle management from intake through root cause analysis and corrective action
- Knowledge of common semiconductor failure modes and failure analysis techniques including die attach inspection, delamination detection, void analysis, and crack identification
- Experience with formal compliance testing and industry standards
The base salary range is $160,000.00 USD – $200,000.00 USD. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions.
We know that creativity and innovation happen more often when teams include diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, and we actively encourage everyone with relevant experience to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities.
About this role
Astera Labs is building connectivity infrastructure for AI at scale, and this Hardware Lab Engineer role sits at the center of that work—managing silicon validation, characterization, and debug from the lab bench. You'd spend your time setting up test environments, running hands-on testing of cutting-edge high-speed interfaces like PCIe Gen5/6/7 and CXL, and coordinating with firmware and system teams to bring new silicon to life. The work spans both breadth and depth: configuring servers and test equipment, performing PCBA rework, managing RMA intake and triage, and developing the procedures that keep the lab running smoothly.
This role demands someone with 5+ years of hands-on lab experience in silicon validation or hardware development, comfortable with oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, and other high-speed test gear. You'll need strong Python skills for test automation, solid Linux fundamentals, and the ability to read schematics and understand signal integrity. Experience with post-silicon validation of ASICs or similar devices is valuable, as is familiarity with data center systems and defect screening methodologies. The ideal candidate works independently on complex, open-ended problems while staying organized across multiple concurrent tasks and external lab relationships.
The position is full-time and based in San Jose with an in-office requirement. The base salary is $160,000 to $200,000 depending on location, experience, and comparable roles at the company.
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$160,000 per year
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