Astera Labs is looking for a Director of System Validation Engineering to build and lead the AI Fabric Validation organization. In this role, you will be responsible for validating our fabric solutions to ensure they perform at scale for demanding AI/ML workloads. You will shape validation strategy for connectivity silicon and gain insight into next-generation AI infrastructure platforms.
What You'll Do
- Lead and scale the system validation organization for our AI fabric portfolio, building a high-performing team across multiple concurrent product programs.
- Own comprehensive validation strategies for AI fabric switch products. Drive execution through scalable automation platforms and data-centric testing.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Architecture, Hardware, Firmware, and Software teams to influence product requirements and ensure validation excellence.
- Ensure timely bringup of new silicon and platforms, driving root-cause analysis and cross-functional debug of hardware, firmware, and system issues.
- Deliver high confidence validation results that support product qualification, customer sampling, and mass production readiness.
- Engage directly with key customers to understand their requirements and highlight the unique capabilities of our solutions.
- Work closely with silicon design, architecture, Firmware, and software engineering teams to ensure cohesive validation strategies.
- Drive a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Manage resource planning, and vendor/partner relationships.
What We're Looking For
- Strong academic background in Electrical or Computer Engineering. Bachelor's required, Master's preferred.
- ≥15 years experience supporting or developing complex SoC/silicon products for Server, Storage, Networking applications and high-performance hardware companies.
- ≥5 years hands-on experience with Silicon/System bring-up, validation, and debug, including in customer systems.
- ≥2 years building high performance Engineering teams and validation methodologies.
- Deep understanding of CPU, GPU, SoC, or AI/ML accelerator architectures, including memory subsystems, I/O, power management, and firmware interactions.
- Expertise in validation methodologies: pre-silicon simulation/emulation, post-silicon bringup, system validation, stress testing, and performance characterization.
- Strong background in debug methodologies, lab infrastructure, and automation frameworks.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to influence executives and cross-functional partners.
- Entrepreneurial, open-minded behavior and can-do attitude.
Nice to Have
- ≥5 years leading validation teams planning, execution and maintaining project visibility.
- ≥10 years hands-on experience with Silicon/System bring-up, validation, and debug, including in customer systems.
- Thorough knowledge of high-speed protocols like PCIe, CXL, NVMe, or Ethernet.
- Deep understanding of High-Speed Signaling Principles and x86/ARM architecture, UEFI/Linux boot sequence.
Technical Stack
- CXL
- Ethernet
- NVLink
- PCIe
- UALink
- COSMOS software suite
Team & Environment
Part of the AI Fabric Engineering group, leading the system validation organization.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $200,000 CAD - $250,000 CAD
We actively encourage everyone with relevant experience to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities.
