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
• Deep understanding of microcontroller architecture, memory-mapped peripherals, interrupt handling, and bare-metal firmware design
• Experience with Layer 1 PHY firmware, SERDES bring-up, or SDK/API development for networking devices
• 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 Taurus product line includes Ethernet retimers and gearboxes deployed in active electrical cables and in-system applications, providing critical signal conditioning for high-speed connectivity in AI infrastructure
• The firmware you develop will manage complex system and IP integration, SERDES configuration, link training sequences, and diagnostic capabilities for these devices deployed in data centers worldwide
• As a Principal Engineer in our Signal Connectivity Engineering group, you'll contribute to firmware that directly impacts the performance and reliability of Ethernet connectivity solutions powering AI infrastructure globally
• Working closely with the SoC software, transceiver module software, and system validation teams, you'll take ownership of feature development and rollout, software integration testing, and customer debug activities. Working at the intersection of embedded systems and high-speed Ethernet connectivity, you'll collaborate closely to bring these systems to production
• We're a startup, and this role reflects that reality. You'll have responsibilities spanning firmware development, customer engagement, debug and validation support, and cross-functional coordination
• Develop and maintain embedded firmware for Ethernet retimers and gearboxes, from low-level hardware abstraction through customer-facing APIs
• Drive Layer 1 PHY and SERDES debug activities, including link bring-up issues, signal integrity problems, and interoperability failures
• Support complex IP integration efforts across multiple subsystems within the SoC
• Implement and optimize link training sequences, equalization tuning, and diagnostic features
• Assist with software quality gates and validation criteria at each development phase
• Partner with the software lead to drive product rollout activities from development through production deployment
• Support customer integration efforts through firmware customization, debug assistance, and technical guidance
• Investigate field-reported issues and coordinate resolution with internal teams
• Develop and maintain SDK/API interfaces that enable customer platform integration
• Work extensively with digital SoC teams to understand hardware behavior, register interfaces, and IP integration requirements
• Collaborate with field applications engineers to support customer bring-up and resolve deployment issues
• Partner with platform applications teams to ensure firmware meets system-level requirements
• Work alongside silicon and system validation teams to develop test plans, automate characterization flows, and verify firmware behavior across corner cases
• Provide regular project updates on progress, risks, dependencies, and technical challenges