Astera Labs
Technology
SeniorDirector,OpticalTestEngineering
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Director candidates.
“Senior Director, Optical Test Engineering at Astera Labs. Skills: Optical Test Engineering, Integrated optical-electrical systems, Data center interconnects. Define optical test engineering roadmap. Establish testing methodologies”
Industry & Context.
Analytical capabilities; Troubleshooting capabilities; Root-cause analysis
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
15+ years in optical engineering, 5+ years in test engineering leadership, Deep knowledge of optical transceiver design, Experience with optical-electrical integration, Proficiency in optical characterization, Fluency with high-speed electrical measurements, Demonstrated success managing technical teams, Understanding of data center interconnect architectures, Analytical and troubleshooting capabilities
Nice to Have
Experience with 112G+ optical systems, Experience with 200G+ optical systems, Familiarity with thermal management, Knowledge of ATE programming, Background in manufacturing process capability, Understanding of substrate technologies, Advanced degree in Physics, Advanced degree in Optical Engineering, Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Strategic vision and execution, Technical depth and credibility, Cross-functional collaboration, Process improvement principles, Lean manufacturing principles, Data-driven decision making, Communication with executive audiences, Change management, Budget and resource management
What You'll Do.
Define optical test engineering roadmap
Establish testing methodologies
Establish testing standards
Lead cross-functional teams
Develop partnerships on test protocols
Develop partnerships on validation requirements
Oversee test strategy development
Drive creation of comprehensive test plans
Establish acceptance criteria
Establish performance benchmarks
Manage test equipment specifications
Manage test equipment procurement
Manage test equipment deployment
Champion accelerated life testing programs
Develop diagnostic protocols
Develop characterization protocols
Lead root-cause analysis on field failures
Lead root-cause analysis on manufacturing defects
Ensure compliance with industry standards
Ensure compliance with customer specifications
Build and mentor optical test engineers
Build and mentor technicians
Build and mentor process specialists
Foster innovation in test methodology
Foster innovation in automation
Develop talent pipeline
Develop career advancement opportunities
Promote continuous learning in optical testing
Collaborate with manufacturing operations
Support yield improvement
Support test efficiency
Establish in-line test protocols
Establish inline measurement strategies
Support transition from development to production
Drive test cost reduction through automation
Drive test cost reduction through optimization
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Cross-functional teams; Ecosystem partners
Communication Scope
Communication with technical audiences; Communication with executive audiences
Process & Methodology
Technical program management, Roadmap planning
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. Senior Director, Optical Test Engineering Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Senior Director of Optical Test Engineering to lead the development, validation, and manufacturing support of advanced integrated optical interconnect solutions. This role focuses on optical-electrical integration at the module level, bridging transceiver and compute platform interfaces with comprehensive test strategy and execution. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Define and execute the optical test engineering roadmap for next-generation interconnect architectures Establish testing methodologies and standards for tightly integrated optical-electrical assemblies Lead cross-functional teams across optical design, electrical engineering, manufacturing, and quality Develop partnerships with ecosystem partners on test protocols and validation requirements Technical Program Management Oversee test strategy development for optical modules with embedded or adjacently mounted optical components Drive creation of comprehensive test plans covering optical performance, electrical performance, thermal management, and reliability Establish acceptance criteria and performance benchmarks aligned with data center and e
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