Firmware Engineer Intern Fall Co-op

Astera Labs

San Jose, CA

On-site

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have experience in firmware or embedded software development and are authorized to work in Canada.

Best fit for

Candidates with prior co-op experience in firmware or embedded software development and a background in RTOS.
— “Completed one or more Co-op terms of firmware or embedded software development.”
Individuals who can debug complex systems using JTAG or trace logs and are comfortable with hardware-software integration.
— “Experience debugging firmware/hardware issues using JTAG, trace logs, or other lab tools.”

Things to consider

Must be authorized to work in Canada and available for a 4-month minimum commitment.
— “Authorized to work in Canada and available for 4 or more months.”
The role is based in Vancouver, BC, which may require relocation or local presence.
— “Location: Vancouver, BC”

How to stand out

Highlight your RTOS experience and how it aligns with firmware development for complex systems.
— “Completed one or more courses in Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS)...”
Emphasize your hands-on experience with JTAG and trace logs in firmware debugging.
— “Experience debugging firmware/hardware issues using JTAG, trace logs...”
Showcase your familiarity with C or C++ in firmware contexts, not just general programming.
— “Proficiency in C (preferred) or C++, including development of firmware.”
Demonstrate your use of git, CI, and code reviews in past firmware or embedded projects.
— “Experience with developer workflows, SCM (preferably git), code reviews, CI.”
Mention any prior work with PCIe/CXL/Ethernet firmware to align with the platform's focus.
— “Experience developing firmware for PCIe/CXL/Ethernet is an asset.”

Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

Developed firmware for microcontroller subsystems
Implemented firmware to execute in on-chip microcontrollers
Debugged firmware/hardware issues

Typical background

Firmware DevelopmentEmbedded SystemsRTOS

Skills & requirements

Required

Firmware DevelopmentC/c++ ProgrammingRTOSDebugging TechniquesMicrocontroller Subsystems

Preferred

Python ScriptingCI/CDGitLab Hardware DebuggingPcie/cxl/ethernet

Stack & domain

CC++PythonRTOSGitJTAGTrace LogsPcieCXLEthernet

About the role

Original posting from Astera Labs via Greenhouse

Firmware Engineer Intern (Fall - Coop)
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.
Preferred Experience
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.

Source: Astera Labs careers (Greenhouse)