Astera Labs - Principal Embedded Software Engineer
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Requirements
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field • 10+ years of embedded C/C++ firmware development in resource-constrained environments • Proven track record as a Technical Lead or Team Lead on embedded projects from architecture through production • Deep understanding of microcontroller architecture, memory-mapped peripherals, interrupt handling, and bare-metal firmware design • Solid experience with analog control loops: PID controllers, feedback systems, adaptive algorithms, and tuning methodologies • Strong proficiency with Linux development tools: gcc/clang, make, bash scripting, gdb, and git • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly • Demonstrated problem-solving ability and systematic debugging approach on real hardware • Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to take on whatever challenges arise in a fast-moving startup environment • Experience with Python for test automation, data analysis, or general scripting • Hands-on experience building and maintaining Jenkins CI/CD pipelines and automated test infrastructure • Familiarity with mixed-signal systems: ADC/DAC interfaces, sensor readout, analog signal conditioning, calibration techniques • Knowledge of transimpedance amplifiers, transmit drivers, equalizers (CTLE/DFE), CDR/PLL circuits, or related analog signal path components • Background in optical module firmware, pluggable optics/AEC standards (MSA/CMIS), retimer or gearbox firmware/API, or high-speed copper connectivity • Experience with lab equipment: oscilloscopes, power supplies, logic analyzers, Viavi/Lecroy/Exfo/Keysight/Tektronix/etc. • Exposure to SERDES, Ethernet PHYs, layer 1 devices, or PCIe physical layer implementations • Understanding of signal integrity concepts: equalization, channel loss, jitter, eye diagrams, and link margin • Familiarity with FPGA emulation, pre-silicon validation, or hardware simulation environments • Experience with RTOS, device drivers, coroutines • Prior people management, mentorship, or recruiting experience
Responsibilities
• Software Ownership & Architecture • Own the complete firmware stack for analog connectivity products, from low-level hardware abstraction through customer-facing APIs • Design and implement embedded firmware that controls complex analog subsystems including adaptive equalization, gain control, PLL/CDR feedback loops, and thermal management • Architect calibration algorithms, state machines, and control flow for managing analog tuning parameters across process, voltage, and temperature variation • Establish software quality gates and validation criteria at each development phase • Technical Leadership & Team Building • Help recruit and hire two engineers to join your team, with ongoing involvement in recruiting as the team expands • Lead your team, whether through direct management or technical mentorship, through design, implementation, code review, and debugging activities • Lead architecture discussions and technical tradeoff decisions; balance performance, code size, maintainability, and time-to-market • Serve as the go-to technical expert for mixed-signal firmware and analog control loop behavior • Drive difficult debug sessions in the lab and through remote customer support, coordinating across silicon design, systems, and applications teams • Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner with analog circuit designers to understand hardware behavior, tuning requirements, and failure modes • Collaborate with product applications to translate customer requirements into firmware features and APIs • Work alongside silicon and system validation teams to develop test plans, automate characterization flows, and verify firmware behavior across corner cases • Coordinate with field applications engineers to support customer integration and resolve deployment issues • Provide regular project updates on progress, risks, dependencies, and technical challenges
Benefits
• Salary range is CAD $184,500 to $205,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role will include a discretionary bonus, extremely competitive equity package, comprehensive health/dental/vision coverage, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation. • 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.
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