> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/222814-principal-digital-design-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/222814-principal-digital-design-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Digital Design Engineer - **Company:** Astera Labs - **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $185,000.0 - $230,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Microarchitecture, Software Debugging, Logic Synthesis of Circuits, Ethernet, Firmware, InfiniBand, Python (Programming Language), PCI Express, Systems Development Life Cycle, Network Switches, Scripting, Front End Software Development, Nvme, Programming Languages - **Published:** May 20, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=13f5ca658a0209ad ## About the Role Do you have experience in Verification (System development task)?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering?, * Strong academic and technical background in electrical engineering. A Bachelor's degree in EE is required, and a Master's degree is preferred. * +8 years' experience supporting or developing complex SoC/silicon products for Server, Storage, and/or Networking applications. * Professional attitude with the ability to prioritize a dynamic list of multiple tasks, plan and prepare for customer meetings in advance, and work with minimal guidance and supervision. * Entrepreneurial, open-mind behavior and can-do attitude. Think and act fast with the customer in mind! * Authorized to work in the US and start immediately. Required Experience: * Hands-on, thorough knowledge of high-speed protocols like PCIe, Ethernet, Infiniband, DDR, NVMe, USB, etc. * Proven front end design expertise - architecture, RTL, simulations, synthesis, timing closure, GLS, DFT etc. * Full chip or block level ownership from architecture to GDS, driving multiple complex designs to production * Experience with Synopsys and/or Cadence digital design tools/flows * Good knowledge of design for test (DFT), stuck-at and transition scan test insertion * Familiarity with UVM based design verification * Silicon bring-up and debug expertise * Small-geometry CMOS (28nm) design Preferred Experience: * Firmware development with C-language, scripting with Python or other equivalent programming languages. * Development/support for PCIe or Ethernet Switch products. ## Description We are looking for Principal Digital Design Engineers with experience developing micro-architecture and implementation of the front-end circuit design, including RTL, synthesis, IP integration, and block-level verification for high performance network controllers. The candidate must have good knowledge of communication/interface protocols such as PCI-Express (Gen-3 and above), Ethernet, Infiniband, DDR, NVMe, USB, etc. ## Related Videos - [Strange New Worlds: shaping the future of the digital age](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/677-strange-new-worlds-shaping-the-future-of-the-digital-age) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api) ## Related Articles - [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)