Principal Hardware Validation Architect for AI Connectivity

Astera Labs; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Astera Labs is seeking a Principal Engineer in Hardware Engineering's Validation Engineering to define and lead validation strategies for next-generation connectivity products. You will turn silicon, board, and system requirements into rigorous plans, scalable automation, and clear release decisions, ensuring reliability in demanding AI infrastructure.

You will partner with design, firmware, software, product, and customer teams to bring up platforms, isolate issues, and accelerate qualification

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8-12 years of experience in hardware, silicon, system, or product validation engineering.
• Proven experience leading validation for semiconductor, networking, connectivity, or data center products.
• Hands-on experience creating validation plans, test cases, automation, coverage metrics, and release criteria.
• Strong debugging skills across hardware, firmware, software, and laboratory instrumentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence technical decisions across functions.

Responsibilities

• Define validation strategies, coverage goals, schedules, dependencies, and exit criteria for complex hardware products.
• Lead silicon, board, and system bring-up, including test environment definition and automation.
• Mentor engineers and communicate readiness and tradeoffs in design and launch reviews.

Skills

Hardware validation

Leadership

Debugging

Test planning

Automation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Master's or PhD in EE/CE (preferred)

Tools

Python

Linux

Azure DevOps

Job description

Astera Labs is seeking a Principal Engineer in Hardware Engineering's Validation Engineering to define and lead validation strategies for next-generation connectivity products. You will turn silicon, board, and system requirements into rigorous plans, scalable automation, and clear release decisions, ensuring reliability in demanding AI infrastructure.

You will partner with design, firmware, software, product, and customer teams to bring up platforms, isolate issues, and accelerate qualification