Software Engineer Jobs at Astera Labs with Visa Sponsorship
Software Engineer roles at Astera Labs span firmware, hardware-software integration, and high-speed connectivity systems for data infrastructure. The company sponsors multiple work visa categories for engineering talent, making it a viable target if you're navigating OPT, H-1B, or a longer-term permanent residency path.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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.
THE ROLE AND ITS IMPACT
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. 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.
This position offers strong mentorship opportunities as you work alongside experienced engineers and help bring products from development through customer deployment.
Level is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
LOCATION
This is an on-site position based in our San Jose, CA office.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Firmware Development & Debug
- 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
Product Rollout & Customer Integration
- 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
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- 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
WHAT YOU BRING
Required Qualifications:
- 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
Highly Valued Skills:
- Experience with PMA, FEC, or related PHY-layer subsystems beyond the PMD/SERDES
- Familiarity with NIC or switch management software, for system test purposes
- Exposure to SAI (Switch Abstraction Interface) or OpenBMC
- Experience with Python for test automation, data analysis, or general scripting
- Hands-on experience building and maintaining Jenkins CI/CD pipelines and automated test infrastructure
- Background in retimer or gearbox firmware/API, active electrical cables, or high-speed Ethernet connectivity
- Experience with lab equipment: oscilloscopes, power supplies, logic analyzers, BERT, Viavi/Lecroy/Exfo/Keysight/Tektronix or similar
- Understanding of signal integrity concepts: equalization, channel loss, jitter, eye diagrams, and link margin
- Familiarity with FPGA emulation, pre-silicon validation, or hardware simulation environments
- Experience with RTOS, device drivers, or coroutines
- Prior technical lead, mentorship, or team lead experience
COMPENSATION
Salary range is $185,000 USD - $203,000 USD depending on experience, level, and business need. This role will include a discretionary bonus, competitive equity package, comprehensive health/dental/vision coverage, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
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.
THE ROLE AND ITS IMPACT
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. 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.
This position offers strong mentorship opportunities as you work alongside experienced engineers and help bring products from development through customer deployment.
Level is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
LOCATION
This is an on-site position based in our San Jose, CA office.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Firmware Development & Debug
- 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
Product Rollout & Customer Integration
- 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
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- 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
WHAT YOU BRING
Required Qualifications:
- 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
Highly Valued Skills:
- Experience with PMA, FEC, or related PHY-layer subsystems beyond the PMD/SERDES
- Familiarity with NIC or switch management software, for system test purposes
- Exposure to SAI (Switch Abstraction Interface) or OpenBMC
- Experience with Python for test automation, data analysis, or general scripting
- Hands-on experience building and maintaining Jenkins CI/CD pipelines and automated test infrastructure
- Background in retimer or gearbox firmware/API, active electrical cables, or high-speed Ethernet connectivity
- Experience with lab equipment: oscilloscopes, power supplies, logic analyzers, BERT, Viavi/Lecroy/Exfo/Keysight/Tektronix or similar
- Understanding of signal integrity concepts: equalization, channel loss, jitter, eye diagrams, and link margin
- Familiarity with FPGA emulation, pre-silicon validation, or hardware simulation environments
- Experience with RTOS, device drivers, or coroutines
- Prior technical lead, mentorship, or team lead experience
COMPENSATION
Salary range is $185,000 USD - $203,000 USD depending on experience, level, and business need. This role will include a discretionary bonus, competitive equity package, comprehensive health/dental/vision coverage, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
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.
See all 88+ Software Engineer at Astera Labs jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Software Engineer at Astera Labs roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Software Engineer Jobs at Astera Labs Jobs
Align your portfolio to connectivity systems
Astera Labs builds PCIe, CXL, and Ethernet semiconductor solutions. Highlighting projects involving low-level systems programming, hardware-software co-design, or high-speed data path optimization makes your application directly relevant to their core engineering work.
Ask about H-1B cap timing in final rounds
USCIS opens H-1B registration each March for an October 1 start. If you receive an offer outside that window, confirm whether Astera Labs will hold the role until your status activates or bridge your employment another way.
Target roles with embedded systems or firmware scope
Astera Labs consistently hires for firmware and validation engineering within their Software Engineer titles. These roles sit closer to silicon, which strengthens specialty occupation standing when USCIS reviews your H-1B petition against job duties.
Understand how EB-2 and EB-3 sponsorship gets initiated
Permanent residency through EB-2 or EB-3 requires your employer to file a PERM labor certification with the DOL before USCIS can adjudicate the immigrant petition. Raise this in offer negotiations if long-term U.S. residency is part of your plan.
Use Migrate Mate to surface open roles by visa type
Filtering for Software Engineer positions at Astera Labs by sponsored visa category saves time spent on roles that don't fit your status. Migrate Mate lets you do exactly that before you invest in tailoring your application materials.
Software Engineer at Astera Labs jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Software Engineer at Astera Labs JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Astera Labs sponsor H-1B visas for Software Engineers?
Yes, Astera Labs sponsors H-1B visas for Software Engineer roles. Their engineering positions in firmware, systems software, and hardware validation typically qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS criteria, which is the threshold required for H-1B approval. If you're currently on OPT or another nonimmigrant status, it's worth confirming the timing of any offer against the annual H-1B registration window, which opens each March.
How do I apply for Software Engineer jobs at Astera Labs?
Applications go through Astera Labs' careers page, where Software Engineer openings are listed by team and seniority. You can also find and filter their open roles by visa sponsorship type on Migrate Mate, which is useful if you need to confirm a position supports your specific status before applying. Tailor your resume toward systems-level or hardware-adjacent engineering experience, since that aligns directly with their product focus.
Which visa types does Astera Labs commonly use for Software Engineer roles?
Astera Labs sponsors H-1B, F-1 OPT, TN, and permanent residency pathways including EB-2 and EB-3 for Software Engineers. TN sponsorship applies to Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineering roles under the USMCA agreement. OPT is typically used as a bridge while H-1B status is pursued. Permanent residency requires a separate PERM labor certification process initiated by the employer through the DOL.
What qualifications does Astera Labs expect for Software Engineer roles?
Most Software Engineer roles at Astera Labs require a bachelor's degree or higher in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science. Given their focus on semiconductor connectivity products, experience with C or C++ in embedded or systems contexts, familiarity with PCIe or CXL protocols, and hardware bring-up or validation work are recurring requirements. Advanced degrees strengthen both your candidacy and the EB-2 sponsorship case if permanent residency is your goal.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a Software Engineer offer at Astera Labs?
If you're transitioning from OPT to H-1B, the practical timeline runs from March registration to an October 1 employment start date, assuming lottery selection. USCIS premium processing can reduce the petition adjudication window to around 15 business days once the petition is filed. For permanent residency via EB-2 or EB-3, the PERM labor certification stage alone typically takes six months to over a year before the USCIS petition phase begins.
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