Senior Digital Design Engineer, IP and Methodology

Join Astera Labs as a Senior Digital Design Engineer to drive the design and implementation of next-generation digital designs for high-performance AI connectivity solutions. In this role, you'll focus on CPU subsystem development and security architecture, working on complex blocks from micro-architecture through silicon bring-up.

You'll collaborate closely with verification, physical design, and DFT teams to deliver industry-leading products that power the world's most advanced data centers. This is an opportunity to shape the security and compute foundations of connectivity solutions enabling rack-scale AI infrastructure at hyperscale.

Key Responsibilities

• RTL Design & Implementation

  • Own the RTL implementation of complex digital designs from micro-architecture through sign-off
  • Design and implement CPU subsystems and embedded processor interfaces
  • Develop security-focused digital blocks including secure boot, cryptographic engines, and trusted execution environments

• Verification & Quality

  • Collaborate with verification teams to review test plans and debug issues
  • Support efforts to achieve timing closure and implement Design-for-Test (DFT) features
  • Accountable for quality and overall design success with the support of senior engineers

• Methodology & Automation

  • Scripting and automation for ASIC methodology improvement
  • Contribute to design infrastructure that improves team productivity and design quality

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience developing SoC/silicon products in Server, Storage, and/or Networking markets
• Expertise in RTL coding with SystemVerilog and synthesis with Synopsys or Cadence
• Experience with CPU subsystem design or embedded processor integration (RISC-V, ARM, or similar architectures)
• Understanding of security fundamentals in silicon design (secure boot, root of trust, cryptographic implementations)
• Experience with clocking, CDC, and RDC methodologies
• Proficiency in SystemVerilog and Python in a production environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing or integrating security IP (cryptographic accelerators, secure enclaves, key management)
• Familiarity with high-speed protocols—PCIe Gen 6/7, Ethernet, UALink, or UCI
• Experience with CMOS nodes (≤7nm)
• Exposure to embedded firmware development or secure firmware boot flows
• Experience with functional and formal verification at block and chip level
• Familiarity with UVM-based verification methodologies

Base salary range is $135,000 to $195,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.