> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2709297-astera-labs-firmware-product-application-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2709297-astera-labs-firmware-product-application-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). --- # Astera Labs Firmware Product Application Engineer - **Company:** Astera Labs - **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States - **Salary:** $140,000.0 - $150,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Notes, Automation of Tests, BIOS, Code Review, Software Debugging, Dynamic Random-Access Memory, Embedded Software, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), PCI Express, Performance Tuning, Real-Time Operating Systems, Diagnostic Tools, Scripting, Test Scripts, Git, Information Technology, Low Latency - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/product-applications-engineer-ncg-2026-astera-labs-8062856 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field; Master's degree preferred * Professional attitude with the ability to prioritize a dynamic list of tasks and work with minimal guidance * Entrepreneurial, open-minded behavior and can-do attitude - think and act fast with the customer in mind! * Authorized to work in the US and available to start immediately Required Experience * Proficiency in C for embedded firmware development in RTOS environments * Proficiency in Python for scripting, test automation, and diagnostic tooling * Knowledge with firmware bring-up, debug, and validation of memory or I/O subsystems on server platforms * Strong debugging skills with the ability to triage and root-cause issues in complex embedded systems * Familiarity with SoC interfaces including DDR controllers, PCIe controllers, and on-chip memory subsystems * Knowledge of developer workflows: SCM (preferably Git), code reviews, CI/CD pipelines * Technical writing skills to generate clear, precise documentation including application notes and similar guides for internal and customer-facing audiences. Preferred experience * Working knowledge of CXL (Compute Express Link) - CXL 1.1/2.0/3.0 - including memory expansion, pooling, and sharing concepts * Experience with PCIe endpoint firmware at the PHY, Link, and Transaction layers; familiarity with PCIe enumeration, MSI/MSI-X, SR-IOV, and error handling * Knowledge of high-speed memory interfaces - DDR4 and/or DDR5 DRAM - including initialization sequences, training algorithms, timing margins, and ECC/RAS features * Hands-on experience with PCIe/CXL protocol analyzers, BERT, and other lab debug equipment * Familiarity with BIOS/BMC/OS interactions with PCIe/CXL devices and MMIO/RAS concepts * Experience with server memory performance tuning - latency and bandwidth optimization * Prior customer-facing or field applications experience in a semiconductor or systems company is a strong plus ## Description As an Astera Labs Firmware Product Application Engineer, you will sit at the intersection of firmware engineering and customer-facing technical engagement. You will help enable Leo CXL Smart Memory Controllers at hyperscale customers and OEM partners - assisting with firmware bring-up, validation, and customer issue resolution from early silicon through production ramp. You will help to provide technical guidance to customers to overcome design challenges, generate collateral for existing and new products, and drive innovation by providing insightful feedback to other internal teams to continuously improve products and processes. There are opportunities to support key customers directly, and also to dive deep in the lab to address the challenges associated with leading edge semiconductor products., * Assist with customer engagements for Leo CXL Smart Memory Controllers, including bring-up support, feature enablement, and issue triage on customer platforms * Develop, validate, and debug firmware using C and Python across Leo's PCIe/CXL and DDR memory subsystems * Assist with end-to-end firmware validation of DDR4/DDR5 DRAM interfaces, including initialization, training, RAS (Reliability, Availability, Serviceability) features, and performance tuning * Collaborate with cross-functional teams (FW engineering, HW, systems, product management) to help deliver firmware releases and customer collateral on schedule * Develop and maintain Python-based test scripts, automation frameworks, and diagnostic tools to support validation and customer debug workflows * Contribute to technical documentation including application notes, release notes, design guides, and customer-facing collateral ## Related Videos - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [10M Data Records Lost, Underwater Computing, and Psychedelic Fish - Matthias Geniar](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1908-10m-data-records-lost-underwater-computing-and-psychedelic-fish-matthias-geniar) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Unleashing the Full Potential of the Arm Architecture – Write Once, Deploy Anywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/940-unleashing-the-full-potential-of-the-arm-architecture-write-once-deploy-anywhere) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Dev Digest 132 - Binging WADFlix?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/473-dev-digest-132-binging-wadflix)