Senior Firmware Engineer

Astera Labs; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Astera Labs in San Jose, California is searching for a Firmware Engineer to architect and develop firmware for their SoC products. You will be responsible for implementing key features and collaborating closely with hardware designers. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of experience in firmware development, strong knowledge in C/C++, and familiarity with PCIe and embedded systems. The role offers a base salary range of $160,000 to $190,000 based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience supporting or developing complex SoC/silicon products.
• Experience developing firmware for PCIe products.
• Familiarity with SoC interfaces to common IP blocks.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop firmware for SoC and systems products.
• Implement the major differentiating features of products.
• Work with logic designers on HW-SW interfaces.

Skills

Firmware development experience

C/C++ proficiency

Python proficiency

Embedded systems knowledge

Knowledge of PCIe products

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

gcc/Make

Doxygen

GitHub

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 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, and a Master’s is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience supporting or developing complex SoC/silicon products for Server, Storage, and/or Networking applications.
• Experience developing firmware to execute in on‑chip microcontrollers as well as C‑language software development kits (SDKs) to execute on system management controllers (e.g. BMC).
• Experience working with logic designers to architect and verify HW‑SW interfaces on complex SoCs.
• Professional attitude with the ability to prioritize a dynamic list of multiple tasks, to plan and prepare for customer meetings in advance, 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!

Required Experience

• Experience developing embedded firmware for PCIe products.
• MQX RTOS or ThreadX Development or enablement.
• High level of proficiency in C (preferred) or C++, including development of C‑based SDKs.
• High level of proficiency in Python for automating pre‑processors/post‑processors and FW QC.
• Working knowledge of software/firmware build environments, gcc/Make, Doxygen, and GitHub.
• Hands‑on experience with Server, Storage, and/or Networking equipment (e.g. Network Switches).
• Familiarity with SoC interfaces to common IP blocks such as PCIe Controllers, NVME Controllers, AMBA/AHB interfaces, on‑chip memory interfaces, and other similar interfaces.
• Direct experience working on products with high‑speed interfaces common in Data Center equipment: PCI‑Express (Gen‑3 and above), 100/400G Ethernet, Infiniband, NVMe, etc.

Preferred Experience

• Experience developing firmware to execute in on‑chip microcontrollers as well as C‑language SDKs to execute on system management controllers (e.g. BMC).
• Experience with industry forums and collaboration workgroups such as OCP and OpenBMC.

The base salary range is $160,000.00 USD – $190,000.00 USD. 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.