Astera Labs
AI infrastructure
OpticalValidationEngineer,TechLead
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“Optical Validation Engineer, Tech Lead at Astera Labs. Skills: Optical Validation, Silicon Photonics, EIC/PIC Validation, High-speed Testing. Lead validation and characterization of Optical Engines. Develop test plans and automation frameworks”
What You'll Achieve.
ensuring performance; ensuring reliability; ensuring manufacturability; unlock the full potential of modern AI; deliver end-to-end scale-up; deliver scale-out connectivity; deploy tailored architectures
Industry & Context.
problem-solving; failure analysis; root cause investigation
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or related field, 8+ years (Senior) to 12+ years (Principal) of hands-on experience in silicon photonics or optical transceiver validation, experience with EIC/PIC co-design validation, multiple Optical Configurations, Expertise in high-speed optical and electrical testing, Proficiency with photonic test automation, data analysis tools, Deep understanding of optical coupling, thermal effects in 2.5D/3D packaging, high-speed signal integrity challenges in CPO systems, Excellent problem-solving skills, communication skills, cross-functional collaboration skills
Nice to Have
Direct experience validating production-grade silicon photonics modules for hyperscale data centers or AI clusters, Knowledge of advanced packaging technologies, Experience with high-speed SerDes, optical I/O chiplets, Track record of shipping high-volume optical products, Publications or patents in silicon photonics or co-packaged optics
What You'll Do.
Lead validation and characterization of Optical Engines
Develop test plans and automation frameworks
Perform detailed characterization of building blocks
Validate co-packaged optics performance
Design and implement test setups
Analyze datasets and perform failure analysis
Support bring-up and debug of prototypes
Define and execute qualification plans
Mentor junior engineers
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Collaborate with PIC Design teams; Collaborate with EIC Design teams; Collaborate with Packaging teams; Collaborate with Test Engineering teams; Collaborate with Manufacturing teams; Collaborate with hyperscalers; Collaborate with ecosystem partners; cross-functional collaboration
Communication Scope
communication skills; technical publications
Full 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. We are seeking an experienced Optical (EIC/PIC) Validation Engineer at the Senior to Principal level to lead the validation, characterization, and qualification of advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs) closely integrated with electronic integrated circuits (EICs) multiple optical configurations. This high-impact role focuses on ensuring the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of next-generation optical engines for high-speed data center, AI/ML, and telecom applications. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in electro-optical testing, system-level validation, and multiple optical integration challenges. Key Responsibilities Lead end-to-end validation and characterization of Optical Engines integrating EIC and PIC in multiple Silicon Photonic architectures. Develop comprehensive test plans, methodologies, and automation frameworks for optical, electrical, and electro-optical performance metrics (e.g., BER, eye diagrams, insertion loss, extinction ratio, receiver sensitivity, transmitter power). Perform detailed characterization of key building blocks: modulators, photodetectors, lasers, waveguides, couplers, and high-speed EIC/PIC interfaces. Validate co-packaged optics performance i
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