Validation & Characterization Engineering Manager

Cirrus Logic•Austin, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 worldâs 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 couldnât do it without our extraordinary workforce â and thatâs where you come in. Join our team and help us continue to make Cirrus Logic an exceptional place to grow your career! As a Validation & Characterization Engineering Manager, you will lead, develop, and mentor a team of engineers responsible for specification-based validation, characterization, and production test correlation for mixed-signal ICs. This role supports a broad portfolio of high-performance mixed-signal products across consumer and mobile applications, ensuring robust silicon performance from first silicon through high-volume production. You will play a critical role in driving validation execution, measurement rigor, and data-driven decision-making, working closely with IC design, systems, and product test teams to deliver production-ready solutions.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.