Firmware Engineer Intern Summer Co-op

Location: Vancouver, BC

Job Description

Astera Labs is a global leader in purpose-built connectivity solutions that unlock the full potential of cloud and AI infrastructure.

Our Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates PCIe, CXL and Ethernet semiconductor-based solutions based on a software-defined architecture that is both scalable and customizable.

Inspired by trusted partnerships with hyperscalers and the data center ecosystem, we are an innovation leader of products that are flexible, interoperable, and reliable.

We are headquartered in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, with R&D centers and offices in Taiwan, China, Vancouver and Toronto, Canada, and Haifa, Israel.

The mission of this role is to architect and develop firmware and microcontroller subsystems for Astera Labs’ SoC and systems products.

Firmware is responsible for implementing the major differentiating features of Astera Labs’ products. As such, firmware is considered equally important to the hardware, and the firmware team is often customer-facing accordingly to ensure the needs of the customer are fully comprehended.

Basic Qualifications

• Strong academic and technical background taking Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics/Software Engineering or equivalent.
• Completed one or more Co-op terms of firmware or embedded software development.
• Completed one or more courses in Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or detailed use of an RTOS during a prior coop term or project.
• Professional attitude with the ability to formulate theories and well thought out questions as part of helping debug/develop complex systems.
• Authorized to work in Canada and available for 4 or more months.

Required Experience

• Proficiency in C (preferred) or C++, including development of firmware.
• Proficient in Python for scripting.
• Experience with developer workflows, SCM (preferably git), code reviews, CI.
• Experience developing firmware to execute in on-chip microcontrollers.
• Experience debugging firmware/hardware issues using JTAG, trace logs, or other lab tools.

• Knowledge of tools like PyTest or GoogleTest is an asset.
• Knowledge of software build environments, CI/CD, gcc/make is an asset.
• Experience with lab hardware/firmware debug is an asset.
• Experience developing firmware for PCIe/CXL/Ethernet is an asset.

Hourly compensation ranges between CAD $45/hour - CAD $55/hour.

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.