Question
10+

ASIC Design Director

1/8/2026

Lead the microarchitecture, RTL implementation, and front-end development of high-performance connectivity solutions for next-generation network controllers. Oversee the development process from architecture through GDS, ensuring successful delivery of complex designs into production.

Salary

218500 - 260000 USD

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

201-500 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

No

About The Company
Astera Labs is a global leader in purpose-built connectivity solutions that unlock the full potential of AI and cloud infrastructure. Our Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates PCIe®, CXL®, and Ethernet semiconductor-based solutions and the COSMOS software suite of system management and optimization tools to deliver a software-defined architecture that is both scalable and customizable. Inspired by trusted relationships with hyperscalers and the data center ecosystem, we are an innovation leader delivering products that are flexible and interoperable. Discover how we are transforming modern data-driven applications at www.asteralabs.com.
About the Role
<div class="content-intro"><p><span data-teams="true">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 <a id="menurhut" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="http://www.asteralabs.com/" target="_blank">www.asteralabs.com</a>.</span></p></div><p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Job Description</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>We are seeking a <strong>Director of Digital Design Engineering</strong> to lead the microarchitecture, RTL implementation, and front-end development of high-performance connectivity solutions for next-generation network controllers. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in front-end ASIC design, strong leadership experience, and a solid understanding of communication and interface standards such as PCIe, Ethernet, UALink.This role requires <strong>on-site presence</strong>.</p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Basic Qualifications:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering required; Master’s degree preferred.</li> <li>12+ years of experience developing or supporting complex SoC/silicon products for server, storage, or networking applications.</li> <li>5+ years of technical leadership or engineering management experience.</li> <li>Strong professional presence with the ability to manage multiple priorities, prepare for and lead customer discussions, and operate independently with minimal supervision.</li> <li>Entrepreneurial, open-minded, and action-oriented mindset with a strong customer focus.</li> <li>Authorized to work in the U.S. and able to start immediately.</li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Required Experience:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li>Hands-on experience and strong working knowledge of Ethernet or UALink.</li> <li>Solid understanding of packet-based switching architectures and network protocol processing.</li> <li>Proven experience with switch fabrics, crossbar architecture, and high-speed memory subsystems.</li> <li>Familiarity with high-speed interconnect protocols such as Ethernet, UALink, Infinity Fabric, NVLink, or HyperTransport.</li> <li>Strong front-end design expertise including architecture, RTL development, simulation, synthesis, timing closure, GLS, and DFT.</li> <li>Demonstrated ownership of full-chip or block-level development from architecture through GDS, delivering multiple complex designs into production, working closely with both hardware and software teams.</li> <li>Experience with Cadence and/or Synopsys digital design and DFT tool flows.</li> <li>Knowledge of DFT methodologies, including stuck-at and transition fault scan insertion.</li> <li>Expertise in silicon bring-up, performance tuning, and lab-based debug using equipment such as logic analyzers, scopes, protocol analyzers, and high-speed test setups.</li> <li>Experience working with advanced technology nodes (5nm or below).</li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Preferred Experience</span><em><span data-contrast="auto">:</span></em></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li>Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python or equivalent.</li> <li>Experience developing or supporting PCIe, Ethernet, or DDR-based products; familiarity with security-related standards.</li> <li>Background in developing ASIC design methodologies and driving methodology adoption across teams.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><span data-contrast="auto">The base salary range is $218,500 USD – $260,000 USD. Your base salary will be determined based on location, experience, and employees' pay in similar positions. This position can be hired as a Senior Manager Level or Director Level.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p><div class="content-conclusion"><p>We know that creativity and innovation happen more often when teams include diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, and we actively encourage everyone with relevant experience to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities.</p></div>
Key Skills
ASIC DesignDigital Design EngineeringMicroarchitectureRTL ImplementationHigh-Performance ConnectivityEthernetUALinkPacket-Based SwitchingNetwork Protocol ProcessingSwitch FabricsCrossbar ArchitectureHigh-Speed Memory SubsystemsDFT MethodologiesSilicon Bring-UpPerformance TuningDebug
Categories
TechnologyEngineeringManagement & Leadership
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