Senior Director, Product Applications Engineering

Astera Labs is seeking an experienced Senior Director of Applications Engineering to join our team in Santa Clara, CA. This leadership role will oversee and drive the strategic direction of our applications engineering function, focusing on the development and integration of semiconductor products for high-speed interfaces, including PCIe/CXL, 25G+ Ethernet.

Job Description:

As the Senior Director of Applications Engineering at Astera Labs, you will:

• Strategic Leadership: Shape and execute the vision for the applications engineering team. Develop and implement strategies that align with Astera Labs' goals and drive the adoption of our semiconductor solutions in the market.
• Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of applications engineers. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Customer Engagement: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key customers. Oversee the technical support and engagement process to address and resolve complex design challenges.
• Innovation and Collaboration: Lead cross-functional initiatives to drive product and process improvements. Provide strategic feedback to internal teams, including R&D and product management, to enhance product offerings and drive innovation.
• Technical Oversight: Guide the technical direction of high-speed interface solutions at a system level. Ensure the team delivers high-quality technical collateral, such as application notes and system integration guides.

Basic Qualifications:

• Advanced academic and technical background in electrical engineering. A Master’s degree or higher is strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in designing and integrating complex SoC/silicon products with high-speed interfaces.
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership role managing applications engineering teams.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong organizational and strategic planning skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a customer-centric approach and the ability to drive innovation and strategic initiatives.

Required Experience:

• Extensive experience with silicon/system bring-up, debug, and issue resolution. Demonstrated success in directing internal teams and managing customer communications.
• Deep technical expertise in high-speed interfaces, including recent experience with 12G NRZ signaling, and familiarity with 25G NRZ/56G PAM4.
• Proficient in technical writing, with a track record of producing clear and precise documentation for both internal and external audiences.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience triaging complex customer-reported issues involving multiple layers such as silicon, firmware, hardware design, and system environment.
• Background in the development/support of PCIe or Ethernet Switch/Retimer products.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment, including protocol analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes, and BERTs.
• Proficiency in software/firmware development and scripting, including C-language and Python.
• Understanding of data center systems, such as servers, AI platforms, JBOGs/JBODs, and networking switches/routers.

The base salary range for this role is $220,000 - $290,000. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the compensation of employees in similar positions.