Optical Validation Engineer, Tech Lead

Astera Labs is seeking an experienced Optical (EIC/PIC) Validation Engineer to lead the validation, characterization, and qualification of advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs) closely integrated with electronic integrated circuits (EICs) multiple optical configurations. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in electro-optical testing, system-level validation, and multiple optical integration challenges.

Requirements

• Lead end-to-end validation and characterization of Optical Engines integrating EIC and PIC in multiple Silicon Photonic architectures.
• Develop comprehensive test plans, methodologies, and automation frameworks for optical, electrical, and electro-optical performance metrics.
• Perform detailed characterization of key building blocks: modulators, photodetectors, lasers, waveguides, couplers, and high-speed EIC/PIC interfaces.
• Validate co-packaged optics performance including high-speed electrical interfaces, thermal management, signal integrity, power integrity, and optical coupling efficiency.
• Design and implement test setups for wafer-level, package-level, and system-level testing, including active alignment, thermal cycling, reliability stress, and environmental qualification.
• Collaborate closely with PIC Design, EIC Design, Packaging, Test Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to close design-for-test (DfT) and design-for-manufacturability (DfM) gaps.
• Analyze large datasets from validation runs, perform failure analysis, root cause investigation, and drive corrective actions.
• Support bring-up and debug of silicon photonics prototypes and optical modules.
• Define and execute qualification plans per industry standards (Telcordia, GR-468, JEDEC, etc.).
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to intellectual property through patents and technical publications.

Benefits

• 401k Matching
• Retirement Plan