Physical Design Student - Astera Labs

Role Overview

Astera Labs is establishing a strategic R&D center in Israel to drive the development of complex semiconductor chips that solve the critical 'data bottlenecks' enabling the future of AI at scale. As we expand our presence in Israel, we are seeking a motivated Physical Design Student to join our founding local engineering team.

This is a unique opportunity to kickstart your career in the semiconductor industry. Working alongside senior industry veterans, you will gain hands-on experience in backend execution and advanced methodologies for cutting-edge chips that power the world's largest AI clusters. If you are passionate about silicon hardware, eager to learn, and thrive on solving complex engineering challenges, this role offers the perfect bridge between your academic studies and a high-impact career.

Key Responsibilities

Guided Implementation & Learning

• Partner with and learn from senior engineers to support the physical implementation journey, including synthesis, floorplanning, Place & Route (P&R), and Clock-Tree Synthesis (CTS)
• Assist in macro-level implementation and develop hands-on skills in complex layout routing
• Participate in deep-submicron process challenges under close professional mentorship

Signoff & Design Integrity Support

• Assist in running engineering checks for design integrity, including Static Timing Analysis (STA), Physical Verification (DRC/LVS), and Reliability analysis (EMIR)
• Learn to apply Logic Equivalence Checking (LEC) to help guarantee design correctness
• Gain exposure to the rigorous flows required to ensure first-pass silicon success

Scripting & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Leverage and develop scripting tools to automate repetitive tasks and optimize the engineering environment
• Collaborate with Architecture, Design, and DFT teams to understand how different chip design disciplines intersect
• Actively participate in team reviews and technical discussions to ramp up backend methodologies

Basic Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
• Strong academic foundation in digital systems, VLSI design, or semiconductor devices.
• Familiarity with Python, TCL, Bash, or Perl.
• Ability to work at least 2 days per week at our Haifa/Tel Aviv Center
• A "can-do" attitude with a passion for solving complex technical challenges
• Fluent in Hebrew and English with the ability to work effectively in a team environment

 Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience from a previous VLSI/Hardware student position or a significant academic project in physical design/VLSI
• Hands-on university lab experience with industry-standard EDA tools (e.g., Synopsys Fusion Compiler/ICC2, Cadence Innovus)
• Understanding of basic verification concepts (STA, DRC, LVS)
• Fast learner with a proactive attitude and a passion for deep-tech hardware infrastructure