Technical Lead Firmware Engineer

Astera Labs; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor technology company located in Vancouver is seeking an experienced firmware engineer to architect and develop microcontroller subsystems for its SoC products. The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of experience in firmware development, possess strong skills in C and C++, and be comfortable working with customer-facing teams. This role offers a dynamic environment where creativity is valued, and diverse backgrounds are encouraged. Candidates must be authorized to work in Canada and be ready to start immediately.

Qualifications

• 7+ years firmware experience with microcontrollers and SDKs.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Familiar with SoC interfaces to common IP blocks.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop firmware for SoC and systems products.
• Ensure firmware meets customer needs through collaboration.
• Test HW-SW interfaces on complex SoCs.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Hardware-Software Interface Design

Embedded Linux

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

gcc

make

cmake

git

Job description

Overview

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.

Job Description:

The mission of this role is to architect and develop firmware and microcontroller subsystems for Astera Labs’ SoC and systems products. Firmware is 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.

Basic Qualifications

• Strong academic and technical background in electrical engineering. At a minimum, a Bachelor’s in EE or Computer Science is required.
• Minimum 7 years Firmware experience developing firmware to execute in on-chip microcontrollers as well as C-language Software Development Kits (SDKs) to execute on system host CPUs and embedded microprocessors.
• Experience working with logic designers to implement and test HW-SW interfaces on complex SoCs.
• Professional attitude with the ability to prioritize a dynamic list of multiple tasks, and 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 Canada and start immediately.

Required Experience

• High level of proficiency in C or C++.
• Proficient in Python for scripting.
• Ability to design, implement, and write unit-level tests.
• Working knowledge of software build environments such as gcc, make or cmake.
• Experience with developer workflows, SCM (git), code reviews, CI/CD.
• Familiarity with SoC interfaces to common IP blocks such as PCIe Controllers, PCIe Switches, DDR Controllers, NVME Controllers, on-chip memory interfaces, and other similar interfaces.
• Experience with Embedded Linux experience including design, configuration, development, build, debug, deployment and support.

Preferred Experience

• RTOS development experience is an asset.
• Pre-silicon emulation development experience is an asset.
• Experience developing firmware/software for CXL-Type3 Memory Controllers is an asset.
• Experience developing firmware for PCIe or Ethernet Switch products is an asset.
• Experience with RedFish, RDE, PLDM, SPDM, MCTP is an asset

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.