Firmware Engineer Intern Spring Co-Op

Astera Labs

Vancouver, Canada

On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-level students or recent graduates in computer science or electrical engineering who are experienced in embedded firmware development and collaborative problem-solving.

Best fit for

Mid-level students or recent graduates with embedded firmware experience and a collaborative mindset
— “Completed one or more Co-op terms of firmware or embedded software development.”
Those with a strong foundation in RTOS and a track record of using it in real-world projects
— “Completed one or more courses in Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or detailed use of an RTOS during a prior coop term or project.”
Individuals who can bridge firmware and hardware development through lab debugging experience
— “Experience debugging firmware/hardware issues using JTAG, trace logs, or other lab tools.”

Things to consider

The role requires a 4-month commitment and an ability to work in Vancouver, BC.
— “Authorized to work in Canada and available for 4 or more months.”
The position involves customer-facing responsibilities, requiring good communication and problem-solving skills.
— “The firmware team is often customer-facing accordingly to ensure the needs of the customer are fully comprehended.”

How to stand out

Highlight prior hands-on experience with microcontroller firmware and lab debugging tools in your resume.
— “Experience developing firmware to execute in on-chip microcontrollers.”
Demonstrate proficiency in C or C++ and Python, particularly in firmware contexts.
— “Proficiency in C (preferred) or C++, including development of firmware.”
Show familiarity with software development practices like SCM, CI, and code reviews.
— “Experience with developer workflows, SCM (preferably git), code reviews, CI.”
Emphasize your ability to formulate theories and ask insightful questions during system development.
— “Professional attitude with the ability to formulate theories and well thought out questions as part of helping debug/develop complex systems.”
Include any experience with PCIe, CXL, or Ethernet firmware development as a differentiator.
— “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

architect and develop firmware and microcontroller subsystems
implement major differentiating features
ensure customer needs are fully comprehended

Typical background

Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics/Software Engineering or equivalent

Skills & requirements

Required

Firmware DevelopmentEmbedded SoftwareRTOSC/c++PythonDeveloper WorkflowsSCMCode ReviewsCIFirmware Debugging

Preferred

PytestGoogletestSoftware Build EnvironmentsCI/CDGcc/makeLab Hardware/firmware DebugPcie/cxl/ethernet

Stack & domain

CC++PythonRTOSJTAGTrace LogsLab ToolsPcieCXLEthernetDebuggingTeamworkProblem-solvingCommunicationCuriosityFirmwareEmbedded SoftwareMicrocontrollersSemiconductorCloudAI

About the role

Original posting from Astera Labs via Greenhouse

Firmware Engineer Intern (Spring 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)