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Optical / Photonics Validation Engineering, Senior Director

Astera Labs · San Jose, California, United States · On-site

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About Astera Labs

Astera Labs: Purpose-Built Connectivity for Rack-Scale AI.

About the role

We are looking for an Optical Validation Engineering, Senior Director to drive the characterization, validation, and qualification of near-packaged optics (NPO) and co-packaged optics (CPO) systems. In this role, you will define and implement the validation approach that ensures the optical, electrical, and thermal performance of advanced photonic interconnects used in next-generation data center and networking platforms.

What they're looking for

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent field
  • 8+ years of experience in optical module testing, photonic component validation, or high-speed interconnect qualification
  • Deep understanding of optical measurements (IL, RL, BER, eye diagrams, mode coupling), optical alignment, and signal characterization
  • Hands-on experience with optical instrumentation (optical spectrum analyzers, BERTs, network analyzers, power meters, interferometers)
  • Strong background in data analysis, automation scripting (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB), and statistical validation methods
  • Familiarity with packaging-related optical performance dependencies (thermo-mechanical stress, optical coupling efficiency, etc.)
More about this role

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. Discover more at www.asteralabs.com .

Job Title: Optical Photonics Validation Leader

We are looking for an Optical Validation Engineering, Senior Director to drive the characterization, validation, and qualification of near-packaged optics (NPO) and co-packaged optics (CPO) systems. In this role, you will define and implement the validation approach that ensures the optical, electrical, and thermal performance of advanced photonic interconnects used in...

Read the full posting on Astera Labs's site ↗

Signal Connectivity Group

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