A

Principal Validation Engineer

Astera Labs • San Francisco, California, United States

onsitefull-time
Posted Sep 12, 2026Apply by Oct 12, 2026

**Role & seniority: ** Post-Silicon Validation Engineer (senior; 15+ years experience), likely tech-lead level

**Stack/tools: ** Python (OOP, scripting, Git/source control, basic dev ops), bench automation; high-speed lab gear (BERT, oscilloscope, VNA). CAD/tools mentioned: Cadence/Altium (schematics/layout), Keysight ADS/PLTS/MATLAB (modeling/analysis)

**Top 3 responsibilities: **

  • Develop comprehensive post-silicon validation plans to quantify parametric device performance and margins across system conditions

  • Automate IC and board testing and produce specification/compliance results

  • Design experiments to root-cause unexpected behavior; analyze margins and report robustness to internal stakeholders

  • Must-have skills:

    • System testing, characterization, margin analysis/optimization for high-speed PHY links (long/short channels)

    • Familiarity with High-Speed SerDes electrical compliance (PCIe 5/6 or IEEE 802.3 Ethernet)

    • Knowledge of key blocks: PLL, CDR/DFE, Tx EQ

    • Strong Python (automation, repeatability, efficiency, data analysis) with Git collaboration

    • Proficiency with BERT, oscilloscope, and VNA

    • Independent problem-solving and ability to prioritize under dynamic demands

  • Nice-to-haves:

    • Signal integrity expertise for PCIe, CEM/NVMe interfaces; IEEE 802.3x, NRZ/PAM-4

    • Experience with other serial interfaces (I2C, SPI)

    • Schematic/PCB layout tool familiarity (Cadence, Altium)

    • Simulation/modeling tools (MATLAB, Keysig

Full Description

The mission of this role is to develop and execute electrical validation tests to quantify parametric device performance and margins over all system conditions. The validation team holds customers’ requirements in the highest regard and is solely responsible for certifying a product’s parametric conformance to this high bar. At Astera Labs, we are looking for motivated Post-Silicon Validation Engineers to work on our game-changing portfolio of connectivity products for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applications. In this role you will formulate a comprehensive post-Silicon validation plan, automate the testing of ICs and board products, design experiments to root-cause unexpected behavior, report results and specification compliance, and work with key internal customers to quantify margins and ensure robustness.

Basic qualifications Strong academic and technical background in Electrical or Computer Engineering. At minimum, a Bachelor’s is required, and a Master’s is preferred. ≥15 years experience supporting or developing complex SoC/silicon products for Server, Storage, and/or Networking applications. Professional attitude with the ability to prioritize a dynamic list of multiple tasks, to plan and prepare for internal meetings in advance, and to work with minimal guidance and supervision. Entrepreneurial, open-minded behavior and can-do attitude. Think and act with the customer in mind! Proven track record solving problems independently, preferably as a tech lead

Required experience Familiarity with High-Speed SerDes PCIe5/6 Electrical Compliance specs, or 802.3 Ethernet Working knowledge of key, high-speed design blocks such as PLL’s, CDR DFE, Tx EQ Experience in system testing, characterization, margin analysis and optimization of high-speed PHY data links over long and short channels

Strong python scripting ability: knowledge of object-oriented programming and basic dev ops using git for source control and collaboration Deep background in developing bench automation techniques, preferably using Python, with emphasis on execution efficiency, repeatability, and data analysis. Proficiency using high-speed lab equipment such as BERT, Oscilloscope, and VNA

Preferred experience Hands-on experience with signal integrity, especially as it relates to PCIe testing and CEM/NVMe interfaces Familiarity with IEEE 802.3x Ethernet standards and both NRZ and PAM-4 signaling Working knowledge of common serial data specifications such as I2C, SPI, etc Knowledge of schematic capture and PCB layout tools from Cadence, Altium, etc. Knowledge of simulation tools such as MATLAB, Keysight ADS, or PLTS for data analysis and modeling of electrical channel and signal integrity issues

Post-Silicon ValidationHigh-Speed SerDesPCIe5/6Python ScriptingBERTOscilloscopeVNASignal IntegrityMargin AnalysisObject-Oriented ProgrammingGitIEEE 802.3 EthernetPAM-4 SignalingI2CSPIPCB Layoutmulti-location

Cookies & analytics consent

We serve candidates globally, so we only activate Google Tag Manager and other analytics after you opt in. This keeps us aligned with GDPR/UK DPA, ePrivacy, LGPD, and similar rules. Essential features still run without analytics cookies.

Read how we use data in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.