Optical Firmware Engineer, Principal

Astera Labs; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Astera Labs, located in San Jose, is looking for an Optical Firmware Engineer to develop and maintain embedded firmware for optical engines and photonic integrated circuits. The role focuses on integrating firmware with hardware and optimizing for high-speed links.

The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of experience, a relevant degree, and a strong background in embedded systems and photonics.

A diverse and inclusive environment is emphasized, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of industry experience in embedded firmware development.
• Knowledge of lasers, modulators, photodiodes, thermal tuning.
• Experience with high-speed communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and debug real-time firmware for optical transceivers.
• Implement algorithms for laser control and temperature compensation.
• Integrate firmware with hardware and higher-level software.

Skills

Embedded firmware development

C/C++ programming

Photonics concepts

Python scripting

Debugging tools

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

JTAG

Oscilloscopes

Optical test equipment

Job 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.

We are seeking to hire an Optical Firmware Engineer to develop, optimize, and maintain embedded firmware for optical engines, photonic integrated circuits (PICs) optical modules. This includes control of lasers, modulators, photodetectors, thermal management, calibration, and high‑speed link optimization in optical / silicon photonics systems. The role sits at the intersection of embedded systems, photonics, and hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and debug real‑time firmware for optical transceivers or PIC/EIC engines (e.g., in C/C++ for microcontrollers or embedded processors).
• Implement algorithms for laser control, automatic power control (APC), temperature compensation, wavelength locking, and link training/adaptation.
• Integrate firmware with hardware (DSP, drivers, ADCs/DACs) and higher‑level software (e.g., via I2C, SPI, or custom interfaces).
• Develop diagnostic, calibration, and telemetry features for manufacturing test, field monitoring, and reliability.
• Optimize for low latency, power efficiency, and high reliability in high‑speed (400G/800G/1.6T+) optical links.
• Collaborate with optical, electrical, DSP, and system validation teams to characterize and tune performance.
• Support bring‑up, debugging, and qualification of silicon photonics prototypes.
• Handle firmware updates, version control, and compliance with standards (e.g., OIF, CMIS).

Required Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field + 12+ years of industry experience.
• Strong experience in embedded firmware development (bare‑metal or RTOS) for optical or high‑speed communication systems.
• Knowledge of photonics concepts: lasers, modulators, photodiodes, TIA, thermal tuning.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python (for scripting/tools), and debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, optical test equipment).
• Experience with high‑speed SerDes, signal integrity, or optical link optimization is a plus.
• Familiarity with silicon photonics, or pluggable optics (QSFP, OSFP) is highly valued.

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.

As set forth in Astera Labs’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.