Principal Optical Module Validation Engineer

Asteralabs; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Asteralabs is seeking a Principal Optical Module Validation Engineer in San Jose, California. This role involves validating optical systems across diverse connectivity products used by major cloud service providers.

The ideal candidate brings at least 8 years of experience in optical link analysis and possesses strong technical skills in high-speed signal integrity. This position offers a competitive salary range of $160,000 to $240,000 based on experience and location.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in optical link analysis and module design.
• Understanding of high speed (>32Gbps) signal and power integrity challenges.
• Track record of taking products from concept to mass production.

Responsibilities

• Validate optical systems that incorporate diverse connectivity and memory products.
• Collaborate across teams to provide feedback and drive innovation.
• Involve in every stage of design from concept to mass production.

Skills

Optical link analysis

Module design

Signal integrity

Optical simulation

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering

Master’s in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Optical equipment measurements

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.

Job Overview

As a Principal Optical Module Validation Engineer at Astera Labs, you will be working alongside many functions in the company, from Marketing to Engineering, Validation and Applications. You will be responsible for validating optical systems that incorporate Astera Labs’ diverse range of connectivity and memory products that are widely used by leading cloud service providers, server manufacturers, and network OEMs. You will be involved in every stage of design, from concept, test, to mass production.

In addition to your core responsibilities, you will have the opportunity to drive innovation within the organization by providing insightful feedback to internal teams. Your expertise and suggestions will contribute to the continuous improvement of our products and processes. You may also collaborate on or even lead activities that are closely related, such as manufacturing, customer engagement, and post-production support.

We are looking for an ideal candidate who brings industry experience, possesses innovative thinking, and demonstrates a high level of expertise in their field. Moreover, you should exhibit a proactive “do what it takes” attitude, always ready to assist and contribute wherever necessary to effectively solve problems and achieve successful outcomes.

Basic Qualifications

• Strong academic and technical background in direct detect optical systems for data center applications
• Bachelor’s in EE is required; Master’s is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in optical link analysis and module design, from component selection and schematic capture through bring-up, debug, optimization, and validation.

Required Experience

• Understanding of high speed (>32Gbps) signal and power integrity challenges for electro-optical interfaces
• Technical knowledge of single mode (preferred) and/or multimode optical systems design, simulation and manufacturing.
• Optical simulation flow experience for link analysis
• Optical system bring-up and debug experience.
• Hands‑on optical equipment measurements such as TDECQ, Laser Rin and/or optical system BER
• Understanding of FW closed‑loop systems required for laser, modulator, and PD systems
• Track record of taking products from concept to mass production

Preferred Experience/Nice to Have

• Working with mechanical and thermal teams to create achievable system design specifications.
• Working with silicon characterization/validation teams to ensure device performance is readily achievable in customer systems.
• Technical writing skills to generate clear, precise documentation such as hardware specifications and user’s guides for internal and customer‑facing audiences.
• Experience in “adjacent” areas such as manufacturing, quality, compliance.
• Experience working with CMs, OSTATs and other external suppliers

The base salary range is $160,000 - $240,000. 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.