Senior Director, Optical & Photonics Validation

Astera Labs; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Astera Labs seeks an Optical Photonics Validation Leader to drive validation of near-packaged and co-packaged optics across data center platforms. You will define validation strategies, lead a team of engineers, and ensure optical, electrical, and thermal performance from prototype to production.

The role requires 8+ years in optical validation, strong analytical skills, and hands-on experience with optical instrumentation.

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent field.
• 8+ years of experience in optical module testing, photonic component validation, or high-speed interconnect qualification.
• Deep understanding of optical measurements (IL, RL, BER, eye diagrams, mode coupling), optical alignment, and signal characterization.
• Hands‑on experience with optical instrumentation including optical spectrum analyzers, BERTs, network analyzers, power meters, interferometers.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team that owns the optical validation strategy and roadmap for optical connectivity products.
• Develop and execute validation/test plans covering optical coupling, insertion loss, signal integrity, thermal stability, and reliability metrics.
• Define optical test methodologies for complex integrated systems involving photonic, electrical, and mechanical interfaces.
• Collaborate with design, packaging, and system architecture teams to translate product specs into validation criteria.
• Establish automated test frameworks for high-throughput optical and electrical validation (instrument control, data analysis, reporting).
• Analyze measurement data to identify performance trends, failure modes, and root causes.
• Lead DOE initiatives to optimize system performance and yield.
• Interface with manufacturing, reliability, and quality teams for transition to volume production and long-term reliability.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices in optical validation and measurement science.

Skills

Optical validation

Data analysis

Automation scripting

Team leadership

Cross‑functional collaboration

Education

MS/PhD in Optical Engineering / Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Optical spectrum analyzers

BERTs

Network analyzers

Power meters

Interferometers

Job description

Astera Labs seeks an Optical Photonics Validation Leader to drive validation of near-packaged and co-packaged optics across data center platforms. You will define validation strategies, lead a team of engineers, and ensure optical, electrical, and thermal performance from prototype to production.

The role requires 8+ years in optical validation, strong analytical skills, and hands-on experience with optical instrumentation.