Firmware/Software Tech Lead

Astera Labs is hiring a Tech Lead Design Engineer to help architect and deliver the connectivity silicon powering the world's largest AI clusters. You'll own design execution on complex blocks across our purpose-built products, working at the cutting edge of PCIe, CXL, Ethernet, and emerging rack-scale interconnect technologies.

This is a high-impact technical role at a hyper-growth company. You'll partner closely with architecture, verification, DFT, and physical design teams to take features from spec to silicon, while contributing to the design methodology that scales with our roadmap. If you want to ship silicon that defines AI infrastructure, this is the team.

Key Responsibilities

• RTL Design & Implementation
  • Own RTL design for assigned blocks from microarchitecture through synthesis sign-off
  • Develop high-quality, synthesizable Verilog/SystemVerilog with strong attention to PPA
  • Drive design reviews, lint, CDC, and timing closure activities to silicon-ready quality
• Cross-Functional Execution
  • Partner with architecture to translate specifications into implementation-ready microarchitecture
  • Collaborate with verification on testplans, coverage closure, and bug triage
  • Work with DFT and physical design teams on scan, BIST, floorplanning, and timing closure
• Technical Leadership & Quality
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to design methodology, scripts, and best practices
  • Debug complex pre-silicon and post-silicon issues across RTL, gate-level, and emulation environments
  • Drive structured, data-driven design decisions in support of aggressive tapeout schedules

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of digital design experience, including at least one full chip from spec to tapeout
• Strong proficiency in Verilog/SystemVerilog, RTL coding, and synthesis flows
• Hands-on experience with timing closure, CDC, lint, and low-power design techniques
• Solid understanding of high-speed serial interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, or similar) and SoC integration

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
• Experience with PCIe Gen5/Gen6, CXL, UALink, UCIe, or Ethernet MAC/PCS designs
• Familiarity with formal verification, emulation, or assertion-based methodologies
• Background in advanced process nodes (7nm, 5nm, or below)
• Strong debug skills across pre-silicon and post-silicon environments

Salary range is $160,000 to $200,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.