AVP of Hardware Engineering Operations/ManufacturingAstera Labs is scaling rapidly as the connectivity backbone of rack-scale AI infrastructure, and our hardware manufacturing footprint is scaling with it. Smart Cable Modules (SCM), Active Electrical Cables (AEC), evaluation boards, AI Chassis-class systems, and ODM-built products are central to how we deliver purpose-built connectivity at hyperscale. We're hiring an AVP of Hardware Engineering Operations/Manufacturing to bring focused, senior leadership to this growing function.This is a wide-ranging role spanning the full breadth of Astera Labs' hardware portfolio — from Smart Cable Modules to rack-scale chassis-based products.
You'll own manufacturing strategy and execution across SCM, AEC, evaluation boards (SVB/EVB), AI Chassis-class systems, and ODM-built products such as switch trays and CEM cards. You'll be the primary leader partnering with our contract manufacturers across China and the rest of Asia, driving quality, capacity, cost, and time-to-market as we scale to meet AI infrastructure demand.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership, Strategy & CM/ODM Partnership Lead Astera Labs' hardware engineering operations and manufacturing organization across SCM, AEC, evaluation boards, AI Chassis-class systems, and ODM programsOwn day-to-day partnership with contract manufacturers across China and the rest of Asia — driving cadence, accountability, and site ramps from qualification through full production maturityManage ODM engagements for switch trays, CEM cards, chassis-based systems, and adjacent products, navigating the differences from traditional CM modelsPartner with Hardware Engineering, Product, Supply Chain, and Quality leaders, and represent hardware operations in executive reviewsNew Product Introduction (NPI) & Advanced Manufacturing Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews on early product designs to validate completeness and manufacturability before release to the floorLead production scaling — estimating costs, production times, and staffing requirements for new designsPrepare and maintain technical documentation for new manufacturing processes and engineering proceduresProcess & Sustaining Engineering Design factory layouts and analyze workflows to achieve maximum production efficiencyTroubleshoot operational bottlenecks and investigate material use variances directly on the assembly lineConduct ongoing time and cost analyses to identify waste reduction and lean manufacturing improvementsTest Engineering Architect test parameters for finished products to validate they meet exact process requirementsCoordinate the design, procurement, build, and debug of automated test equipmentTest products to identify anomalies and ensure compliance with functional and safety standardsProduct Engineering (Manufacturing Focus) Lead failure analysis using statistical methods and recommend changes in designs, tolerances, or processing methodsApply root-cause fixes to prevent reoccurrence of product problems involving existing designs or materialsMonitor and analyze operational data to evaluate product performance and drive technical design changes that improve yieldTooling & Automation Assess, select, and schedule installation of manufacturing machinery and industrial processing systemsDesign and implement custom jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing aids for daily assemblyApply automation techniques and robotics programming to improve workflow and reduce manual laborBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline15+ years of hardware manufacturing experience, with significant time leading cable assembly, PCBA, board, module, or system/chassis manufacturingProven track record managing contract manufacturers in Asia, including site ramps and multi-site operationsDeep expertise in NPI, DFM, mass production ramp, yield/test, and quality systems for high-volume hardware productsHands-on experience across process/sustaining engineering, test engineering, and tooling/automationExperience leading and scaling hardware operations organizations through hyper-growthWillingness and ability to travel internationally to CM and ODM sites on a regular cadencePreferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Electrical Engineering or related fieldDirect experience with Active Electrical Cables (AEC), optical transceivers, Smart Cable Modules, or high-speed cable/connector assembliesExperience manufacturing rack-scale or chassis-class systems for hyperscale or AI infrastructureExperience with ODM engagement models for system-level products (switch trays, CEM cards, or similar)Chinese language proficiency (Mandarin) for direct CM partnership in ChinaWe 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.