Principal Engineer Jobs at Astera Labs with Visa Sponsorship
Astera Labs hires Principal Engineers to lead silicon, firmware, and systems architecture work at the intersection of connectivity and AI infrastructure. The company sponsors multiple visa types for this function, making it a realistic target for international engineers with deep hardware or semiconductor experience.
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INTRODUCTION
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.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The mission of this role is to architect and develop firmware and microcontroller subsystems for Astera Labs’ SoC and systems products. As a Principal Firmware Engineer, you are responsible for implementing the major differentiating features of Astera Labs’ products. As such, firmware is considered equally important to the hardware, and the firmware team is often customer-facing accordingly to ensure the needs of the customer are fully comprehended.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong academic and technical background in electrical engineering. At a minimum, a Bachelor’s in EE or Computer Science is required, and a Master’s is preferred.
- Minimum 8 years’ experience supporting or developing complex SoC/silicon products for Server, Storage, and/or Networking applications.
- Experience developing firmware to execute in on-chip microcontrollers as well as C-language software development kits (SDKs) to execute on system management controllers (e.g. BMC).
- Experience working with logic designers to architect and verify HW-SW interfaces on complex SoCs.
- Professional attitude with the ability to prioritize a dynamic list of multiple tasks, to plan and prepare for customer meetings in advance, and to work with minimal guidance and supervision.
- Entrepreneurial, open-minded behavior and can-do attitude. Think and act fast with the customer in mind!
- Authorized to work in the US and start immediately.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- Experience working on PCIe-Express (Gen-3 and above) protocol, including working with analyzers and exercisers to debug protocol issues.
- High level of proficiency in C (preferred) or C++, including development of C-based SDKs.
- High level of proficiency in Python for automating pre-processors/post-processors and FW QC.
- Working knowledge of software/firmware build environments, gcc/Make, Doxygen, and GitHub.
- Familiarity with SoC interfaces to common IP blocks such as PCIe Controllers, DDR Controllers, NVME Controllers, AMBA/AHB interfaces, on-chip memory interfaces, and other similar interfaces.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Experience with PAM4 SerDes with working knowledge of Tx/Rx equalization, adaptation, CDR and SerDes link budgets.
- Hands-on experience with PCIe devices in Server, Storage, and/or Networking equipment.
- Experience developing embedded firmware for PCIe or Ethernet Switch products.
COMPENSATION
- The base salary range is $203,000.00 USD – $230,000.00 USD. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions.
We know that creativity and innovation happen more often when teams include diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, and we actively encourage everyone with relevant experience to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities.

INTRODUCTION
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.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The mission of this role is to architect and develop firmware and microcontroller subsystems for Astera Labs’ SoC and systems products. As a Principal Firmware Engineer, you are responsible for implementing the major differentiating features of Astera Labs’ products. As such, firmware is considered equally important to the hardware, and the firmware team is often customer-facing accordingly to ensure the needs of the customer are fully comprehended.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong academic and technical background in electrical engineering. At a minimum, a Bachelor’s in EE or Computer Science is required, and a Master’s is preferred.
- Minimum 8 years’ experience supporting or developing complex SoC/silicon products for Server, Storage, and/or Networking applications.
- Experience developing firmware to execute in on-chip microcontrollers as well as C-language software development kits (SDKs) to execute on system management controllers (e.g. BMC).
- Experience working with logic designers to architect and verify HW-SW interfaces on complex SoCs.
- Professional attitude with the ability to prioritize a dynamic list of multiple tasks, to plan and prepare for customer meetings in advance, and to work with minimal guidance and supervision.
- Entrepreneurial, open-minded behavior and can-do attitude. Think and act fast with the customer in mind!
- Authorized to work in the US and start immediately.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- Experience working on PCIe-Express (Gen-3 and above) protocol, including working with analyzers and exercisers to debug protocol issues.
- High level of proficiency in C (preferred) or C++, including development of C-based SDKs.
- High level of proficiency in Python for automating pre-processors/post-processors and FW QC.
- Working knowledge of software/firmware build environments, gcc/Make, Doxygen, and GitHub.
- Familiarity with SoC interfaces to common IP blocks such as PCIe Controllers, DDR Controllers, NVME Controllers, AMBA/AHB interfaces, on-chip memory interfaces, and other similar interfaces.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Experience with PAM4 SerDes with working knowledge of Tx/Rx equalization, adaptation, CDR and SerDes link budgets.
- Hands-on experience with PCIe devices in Server, Storage, and/or Networking equipment.
- Experience developing embedded firmware for PCIe or Ethernet Switch products.
COMPENSATION
- The base salary range is $203,000.00 USD – $230,000.00 USD. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions.
We know that creativity and innovation happen more often when teams include diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, and we actively encourage everyone with relevant experience to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Principal Engineer Jobs at Astera Labs Jobs
Align your portfolio to connectivity silicon
Astera Labs builds PCIe, CXL, and Ethernet semiconductor solutions. Before applying, reframe your resume around protocol-layer architecture, signal integrity, or ASIC design work that maps directly to these domains.
Target roles that specify cross-functional leadership
Principal Engineer postings at Astera Labs often expect ownership across RTL, firmware, and systems validation. Highlighting cross-functional scope in your application signals the seniority level their sponsorship investment is geared toward.
Use Migrate Mate to surface Principal Engineer openings
Astera Labs posts Principal Engineer roles across multiple hardware disciplines. Use Migrate Mate to filter specifically for sponsored positions at Astera Labs, so you're only spending time on roles that explicitly support your visa category.
Prepare for PERM-backed Green Card timelines
EB-2 and EB-3 sponsorship at the Principal Engineer level involves a DOL PERM labor certification before the I-140 petition. Ask your recruiter early whether the role includes an immigrant visa commitment so you can plan around multi-year processing windows.
Principal Engineer at Astera Labs jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Principal Engineer at Astera Labs JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Astera Labs sponsor H-1B visas for Principal Engineers?
Yes. Astera Labs has an active record of H-1B sponsorship for Principal Engineer roles, consistent with the demands of hiring specialized semiconductor and systems engineering talent. Because Principal Engineer positions typically require deep domain expertise in areas like PCIe or CXL architecture, they align well with the specialty occupation standard USCIS uses to evaluate H-1B petitions.
Which visa types does Astera Labs commonly use for Principal Engineers?
Astera Labs sponsors H-1B, F-1 OPT, TN, and Green Card pathways including EB-2 and EB-3 for Principal Engineer roles. OPT is common for recent graduates entering hardware engineering. TN is an option for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineering disciplines. Green Card sponsorship through PERM is available for longer-term positions at this seniority level.
How do I apply for Principal Engineer jobs at Astera Labs?
Browse open Principal Engineer positions directly on the Astera Labs careers page or use Migrate Mate to filter for sponsored roles by visa type. Applications typically require a resume that demonstrates ownership of hardware or firmware systems at scale. Roles span connectivity silicon, AI infrastructure, and platform engineering, so tailoring your application to the specific product area improves your chances.
What qualifications does Astera Labs expect for Principal Engineer roles?
Astera Labs Principal Engineer roles generally expect a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, plus substantial experience in semiconductor design, high-speed protocols, or systems architecture. Hands-on expertise with PCIe, CXL, or Ethernet is a recurring requirement. Leadership experience coordinating across RTL, firmware, and validation teams is often expected at this level.
How do I plan the timeline if Astera Labs sponsors my H-1B?
H-1B petitions are subject to an annual lottery that opens in March for an October 1 start date. If you're on F-1 OPT, your authorization can bridge the gap while the petition is processed. Premium processing through USCIS reduces adjudication to roughly 15 business days once the petition is filed, which is worth discussing with your Astera Labs hiring contact if timing is tight.
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