Validation & Characterization Engineering Manager at cirrus

<div> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location:</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Austin, TX (Hybrid)</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">For over four decades, Cirrus Logic has been propelled by the top engineers in mixed-signal processing. Our rockstar team thrives on solving complex challenges with innovative end-user solutions for the world’s top consumer brands. Cirrus Logic is also known for its award-winning culture, built on a foundation of inclusion and fairness, meaningful community engagement, and delivering enjoyable employee experiences at every turn. But we couldn’t do it without our extraordinary workforce — and that’s where you come in. Join our team and help us continue to make Cirrus Logic an exceptional place to grow your career!</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a <strong>Validation &amp; Characterization Engineering Manager</strong>, you will lead, develop, and mentor a team of engineers responsible for <strong>specification-based validation, characterization, and production test correlation</strong> for mixed-signal ICs. This role supports a <strong>broad portfolio of high-performance mixed-signal products across consumer and mobile applications</strong>, ensuring robust silicon performance from first silicon through high-volume production.</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">You will play a critical role in driving <strong>validation execution, measurement rigor, and data-driven decision-making</strong>, working closely with IC design, systems, and product test teams to deliver production-ready solutions.</span></p> </div> Responsibilities Build, lead, and scale a team of validation and characterization engineers supporting multiple product lines. • Provide technical leadership and mentorship across specification-based validation, characterization, and silicon debug. • Drive execution of validation plans to ensure comprehensive specification coverage, margin analysis, and traceability. • Establish best practices for test methodology, measurement accuracy, and experimental design, ensuring high-quality and repeatable results. • Partner closely with Product Test Engineering to ensure strong correlation between lab validation results and ATE measurements, including definition of test limits, guard-bands, and production readiness. • Define and track KPIs and metrics to improve validation efficiency, coverage, and data quality. • Guide the team in analyzing large and complex datasets, extracting meaningful insights, and making data-driven decisions. • Lead debugging of complex silicon, system, and measurement issues, including cross-domain interactions (analog, digital, and test infrastructure). • Collaborate with IC design, systems, applications, and product test teams to resolve issues and align on requirements. • Drive continuous improvement of validation methodologies, automation frameworks, and data analysis workflows. • Ensure clear and consistent communication of technical status, risks, and execution plans to cross-functional teams and senior leadership. • Support hiring, onboarding, and development of engineers across multiple experience levels. • Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and data-driven engineering within the team. Requirements / Qualifications BS in Electrical or Computer Engineering with 7+ years of relevant experience in validation, characterization, or production test, including 2+ years of people management experience. • Strong technical background in mixed-signal IC validation and characterization, including audio and/or power management devices. • Deep understanding of test and measurement techniques, including error sources, calibration, accuracy, and repeatability. • Experience designing and executing experiments for performance characterization, including corner analysis, margining, and statistical evaluation. • Proven experience with data analysis and interpretation, including large dataset handling and use of tools such as JMP, Spotfire, or Excel. • Experience supporting or partnering with production test engineering, including test correlation, guardbanding, and yield analysis. • Hands-on experience with lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, signal generators, audio analyzers, power measurement equipment, PXI systems). • Experience with automation and scripting (Python preferred) and validation/test infrastructure development. • Demonstrated ability to lead teams, mentor engineers, and drive execution across multiple projects. • Strong problem-solving and debug skills across silicon behavior, measurement systems, and test environments. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence across cross-functional teams. Preferred Skills / Abilities: • Experience with audio IC validation (CODECs, amplifiers) and/or power management ICs (LDOs, SMPSs, battery charging). • Familiarity with ATE platforms and high-volume manufacturing test flows. • Experience defining validation methodologies, measurement standards, or data analysis best practices across teams. • Background in PCB design, signal integrity, power integrity, or low-noise measurement techniques. • Experience with statistical analysis methods for characterization and production correlation. • Prior experience leading teams through product ramp and production release.