Principal System Validation Engineer (AI Fabric Switches)

Astera Labs is seeking an exceptional Principal System Validation Engineer. Connectivity is a critical component of every AI accelerator deployment and hyperscale data center architecture. As part of the AI Fabric Engineering group, you will play a key role in ensuring that Astera Labs’ fabric solutions perform at scale and deliver system-level performance across the most demanding AI and ML workloads. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape validation strategy for cutting-edge connectivity silicon and gain deep insight into next-generation AI infrastructure platforms. 

Job Description

• Develop and perform system validation tests using leading-edge Data Center equipment and scalable automation platforms. The validation team holds customers’ system requirements in the highest regard and is solely responsible for certifying a product’s conformance to this high bar.
• Understand the performance and functionality requirements our AI fabric Switches must deliver to enable customers developing Data Center systems using Astera Labs’ game-changing portfolio of connectivity products for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applications.
• Formulate a comprehensive validation plan for AI fabric switch products. automate the testing of ICs and board products in a data-centric manner, design experiments to root-cause unexpected behavior, report results and specification compliance in an automated fashion.
• Work with key customers directly to understand their care-abouts and highlight the unique capabilities and performance of Astera Labs’ solutions.

Basic Qualifications 

• Strong academic and technical background in Electrical or Computer Engineering. At a minimum, a Bachelor’s is required, and a Master’s is preferred.
• ≥8 years' experience supporting or developing complex SoC/silicon products for Server, Storage, and/or Networking applications.
• Basic understanding of x86/ARM architecture, UEFI/Linux boot sequence. 
• Good understanding of High Speed Signaling Principles.
• Professional attitude with the ability to prioritize a dynamic list of multiple tasks, to plan and prepare for customer/internal meetings in advance, and to work with minimal guidance and supervision.
• Entrepreneurial, open-mind behavior and can-do attitude. Think and act with the customer in mind!

Required Experience 

• Hands-on, thorough knowledge of high-speed protocols like  PCIe, CXL, NVMe, or Ethernet.
• Experience with Silicon/System bring-up, validation, and debug experience, including in customer systems.
• A strong background in developing bench automation techniques, especially using Python, with emphasis on execution efficiency, repeatability, data analysis and reporting.
• Experience with lab equipment including protocol analyzers, in-circuit debuggers, and CPU-based tool suites.
• Ability to work on multiple projects.

Preferred Experience 

• Working knowledge of C or C++ for embedded FW and device drivers.
• Familiarity with PCIe compliance standards and ability to follow and be involved in compliance consortiums to adapt the tests to be run from X86/ARM based platforms.
• Knowledge of schematic capture and PCB layout tools from Cadence Allegro, Altium, etc.
• Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills, with a proven track record of effectively leading, influencing, and navigating complex matrixed environments.

The base salary range is 185,000 USD - $240,000 USD. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions.