Photonics Integrated Circuits Engineer (Intern 2026)

.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.

Job Description:

As a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) engineer, you will work on the design, simulations, tape-out, and measurements of photonic devices and integrated circuits in various semiconductor processes.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Physics is preferred

Desired Experience:

• Experience in design, simulations, tape-out/fabrication, and measurements of integrated photonic devices and integrated circuits


• Deep understanding of photonic devices and integrated circuits preferably in the context of high-speed optical communications (waveguides, waveguide bends and crossings, power splitters, couplers, interferometers, modulators, detectors)


• Familiarity in simulation tools for photonic devices and integrated circuits


• Knowledge of optical transceivers


• Knowledge of electronic circuits that interface with photonic devices and integrated circuits is a plus


• Relevant research publications and/or patents in photonics


• Familiarity in programming/scripting languages such as Python, Matlab, or C


• Strong technical independent contributor with a proven ability to drive results


• Excellent teamwork, presentation, and documentation skills


• Ability to collaborate with global teams across multiple time zones and deliver under pressure with strict deadlines

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.