Senior Validation and Characterization Engineer - Global Operations

We’re looking for a Senior Validation & Characterization Engineer to join our team in Austin, TX. In this hands-on role, you’ll lead silicon validation and characterization efforts for advanced mixed-signal products, working closely with design, systems, and product test teams to ensure robust, production-ready solutions. Our products span audio CODECs, amplifiers, haptics/sensing, power delivery and battery management for mobile and consumer applications.

Ready to make an impact? Join Cirrus Logic and help us shape the future of audio and power management technology while growing your career in an environment that values innovation and collaboration.

What You'll Do

• Lead silicon validation and characterization for mixed-signal ICs from first silicon through production release.
• Define validation strategies, test plans, and coverage for complex analog, digital, and mixed-signal blocks.
• Design and develop automated validation test environments using lab instrumentation and PXI-based systems.
• Develop and maintain software frameworks and scripts for validation, characterization, and regression testing (Python preferred).
• Design silicon validation boards; review schematics and layouts prior to fabrication.
• Perform detailed data analysis to evaluate performance, margin, robustness, and corner conditions.
• Collaborate closely with IC design, systems, product test, applications, and reliability teams to debug silicon issues and drive root-cause analysis.
• Support correlation between validation, characterization, and production test, helping define test limits and guardbands.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of validation methodologies, documentation practices, and lab efficiency.
• Communicate results clearly through documentation, presentations, and cross-functional design reviews.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• BS in Electrical or Computer Engineering with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
• Strong hands-on experience with silicon validation, characterization, or post-silicon debug of mixed-signal ICs.
• Solid understanding of mixed-signal circuit blocks such as ADCs, DACs, PLLs, amplifiers, regulators, and sensors.
• Experience developing automated test software and scripts (Python preferred).
• Familiarity with lab and PXI-based instrumentation (NI PXIe, oscilloscopes, signal generators, audio analyzers, etc.).
• Experience analyzing large datasets and presenting results using tools such as Excel, JMP, or Spotfire.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to debug complex hardware/software interactions.
• Excellent communication skills and experience working cross-functionally with design and test teams.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience with audio or power-management IC validation.
• Familiarity with digital communication protocols (I2C, SPI, I2S, TDM, SPMI).
• Experience correlating validation results with production test coverage.
• Exposure to embedded firmware or lab automation platforms.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or acting as a technical lead on projects.