Optical Test Engineering, Senior Director

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.Senior Director, Optical Test EngineeringPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Senior Director of Optical Test Engineering to lead the development, validation, and manufacturing support of advanced integrated optical interconnect solutions. This role focuses on optical-electrical integration at the module level, bridging transceiver and compute platform interfaces with comprehensive test strategy and execution.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDefine and execute the optical test engineering roadmap for next-generation interconnect architecturesEstablish testing methodologies and standards for tightly integrated optical-electrical assembliesLead cross-functional teams across optical design, electrical engineering, manufacturing, and qualityDevelop partnerships with ecosystem partners on test protocols and validation requirementsTechnical Program ManagementOversee test strategy development for optical modules with embedded or adjacently mounted optical componentsDrive creation of comprehensive test plans covering optical performance, electrical performance, thermal management, and reliabilityEstablish acceptance criteria and performance benchmarks aligned with data center and enterprise requirementsManage test equipment specifications, procurement, and deployment across manufacturing sitesValidation & ReliabilityChampion accelerated life testing programs for integrated optical-electrical systemsDevelop diagnostic and characterization protocols for novel optical assembly approachesLead root-cause analysis on field failures and manufacturing defectsEnsure compliance with industry standards (IEEE, IEC, Telcordia) and customer specificationsEngineering Team DevelopmentBuild and mentor a team of optical test engineers, technicians, and process specialistsFoster innovation in test methodology and automationDevelop talent pipeline and career advancement opportunitiesPromote continuous learning in optical testing technologies and practicesManufacturing SupportCollaborate with manufacturing operations on yield improvement and test efficiencyEstablish in-line test protocols and inline measurement strategiesSupport transition from development to production testingDrive test cost reduction through automation and optimizationRequired Qualifications Experience: 15+ years in optical engineering, with 5+ years in test engineering leadershipTechnical Expertise:Deep knowledge of optical transceiver design and testingExperience with optical-electrical integration challengesProficiency in optical characterization (loss, dispersion, eye diagrams, jitter)Fluency with high-speed electrical measurements and signal integrityLeadership: Demonstrated success managing technical teams and cross-functional programsIndustry Knowledge: Understanding of data center interconnect architectures and requirementsProblem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilitiesPreferred QualificationsExperience with 112G+ or 200G+ optical systemsFamiliarity with thermal management in high-density optical modulesKnowledge of automated test equipment (ATE) programming and optimizationBackground in manufacturing process capability analysisUnderstanding of substrate technologies (silicon photonics, planar lightwave circuits)Advanced degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fieldStrategic vision and executionTechnical depth and credibilityCross-functional collaborationProcess improvement and lean manufacturing principlesData-driven decision makingCommunication with technical and executive audiencesChange managementBudget and resource managementWe 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.