Principal Embedded Software Engineer, Astera Labs

• We're looking for someone who thrives wearing multiple hats and is energized by jumping into whatever needs doing. We recognize this breadth and reward it accordingly
• 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

Desirable

• Our analog connectivity product portfolio includes sophisticated mixed-signal components that form the critical signal conditioning path in both optical modules and copper interconnects: transimpedance amplifiers, transmit drivers, continuous-time linear equalizers, and integrated analog subsystems
• The firmware you develop will directly control the adaptive behavior, calibration sequences, and real-time performance optimization of these analog circuits deployed in data centers worldwide
• As a Principal Engineer in our Signal Connectivity Engineering group, you'll shape firmware architectures that directly impact the performance and reliability of connectivity solutions powering AI infrastructure globally
• You'll take end-to-end ownership of the software lifecycle, from pre-silicon planning through production deployment and field support
• You will bridge the gap between sophisticated analog circuit design and the software intelligence required to make these circuits adaptive and robust
• Working at the intersection of embedded systems and analog control, you'll collaborate closely with mixed-signal designers, systems architects, silicon validation engineers, and customer teams while building and leading a technical team in a high-growth company
• We're a startup, and this role reflects that reality. You'll have responsibilities spanning firmware architecture, team building, CI/CD infrastructure, customer engagement, and lab automation
• This position offers an opportunity to build and lead a team from the ground up. You'll help hire two engineers and will play an active role in recruiting as the team grows
• Depending on your preferences, you can either manage these engineers directly from day one, or mentor them while remaining in a technical lead capacity, either path is fully supported
• 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
• 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
• 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