Principal System/Rack Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Astera Labs (NASDAQ: ALAB) is seeking a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical architecture and system integration across next-generation AI platforms, optical networking systems, and rack-scale infrastructure solutions. The role involves developing mechanical architecture from device-level products through complete rack-scale AI systems, establishing system-level design requirements, and driving solutions that support high-density AI computing deployments.

Responsibilities

• Lead Mechanical Architecture for AI Platforms
  • Define mechanical architecture from device-level products through complete rack-scale AI systems.
  • Develop scalable mechanical designs supporting future generations of AI infrastructure.
  • Establish system-level design requirements balancing Performance, Reliability, Manufacturability, Serviceability, Cost, and Sustainability.
• Own Mechanical Architecture for GPU Compute Platforms
  • PCIe Scale-Up Switch Platforms
  • UALink Switch Platforms
  • Optical Connectivity Systems
  • Rack Controllers
  • Rack Enclosures
  • Cable Management Systems
  • Open Rack Platforms
• Develop Open Rack and Rack-Level Mechanical Solutions
  • Define rack layouts and mechanical interfaces.
  • Develop scalable rack architecture standards.
  • Drive mechanical integration of: Compute systems, Switch platforms, Power shelves, Cooling infrastructure, Optical connectivity, Management systems.
  • Support future multi-rack AI factory deployments.
• Enable Fiber Connectivity and Optical Systems
  • Develop Mechanical Solutions Supporting Fiber Infrastructure, Optical Engines, Silicon Photonics, NPO Architectures, CPO Architectures, Rack-to-Rack Optical Connectivity.
  • Address challenges associated with cable routing, bend radius management, serviceability, fiber protection, field replaceability.
• Support Air-Cooled and Liquid-Cooled Systems
  • Partner with Thermal Engineering Teams to optimize airflow architecture.
  • Develop liquid cooling mechanical solutions.
  • Support cold plate integration.
  • Define coolant distribution infrastructure.
  • Improve overall system cooling efficiency.
• Drive Mechanical Design for Manufacturability
  • Define manufacturing-ready mechanical solutions.
  • Support supplier and ODM engagement.
  • Drive cost optimization efforts.
  • Establish assembly and service procedures.
  • Improve production scalability and operational efficiency.
• Lead System Integration Activities
  • Work closely with Electrical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Power Architecture, Silicon Development, Product Management, Manufacturing Teams to ensure complete system integration and design alignment.
• Collaborate with ODM Partners
  • Work directly with Accton, Hyve, Wistron, Quanta, Gigabyte, and other ODMs to:
  • Define mechanical requirements.
  • Review platform designs.
  • Resolve integration challenges.
  • Drive Open Rack implementation.
  • Support design validation and manufacturing readiness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in mechanical design and system integration.
• Proven experience leading mechanical architecture for: Servers, Networking Platforms, Storage Systems, AI Infrastructure, Data Center Hardware.
• Expertise in: Sheet Metal Design, Structural Analysis, Tolerance Analysis, Mechanical Packaging, Cable Management, System Integration, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Open Rack and OCP architectures.
• Experience supporting rack-scale AI infrastructure.
• Familiarity with PCIe Scale-Up and UALink architectures.
• Experience with Ethernet and optical networking systems.
• Knowledge of fiber connectivity solutions and optical packaging.
• Experience supporting NPO and CPO platforms.
• Experience developing liquid-cooled infrastructure.
• Experience working directly with ODM/JDM manufacturing partners.

Leadership Attributes

• Strong systems thinking.
• Strategic technical leadership.
• Cross-functional influence.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to drive architecture decisions across multiple organizations.
• Passion for solving complex AI infrastructure challenges.

Why Join Astera Labs?

• You will help define the mechanical architecture for next-generation technologies including: PCIe Scale-Up AI Fabrics, UALink Scale-Up Networks, Ethernet Scale-Out Infrastructure, ESUN Network Architectures, NPO and CPO Optical Platforms, Advanced Fiber Connectivity Solutions, Open Rack AI Systems, Future AI Factory Deployments.
• This is an opportunity to drive the mechanical design of industry-leading products that power the world's largest AI clusters.
• The role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, incentives, and benefits.
• Join us in Research Triangle Park and help build the future of AI infrastructure.

Application Instructions

If you are passionate about mechanical innovation, rack-scale infrastructure, optical connectivity, and next-generation AI systems, we'd love to hear from you. The salary range is $170,000 to $210,000, depending on experience, level, and business needs. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, incentives, and benefits.