Audio Silicon Development Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing and developing audio-focused analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits, with a strong emphasis on Class-D amplifiers, power management circuits, and audio signal chain blocks.

You will contribute across the full silicon lifecycle, from architecture and transistor-level design through simulation, layout support, silicon bring-up, validation, and characterization, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance, low-power audio IC solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop audio IC blocks, including Class-D amplifiers, ADC front-ends, and analog audio signal chain circuits.
• Design and optimize analog and mixed-signal circuits such as regulators, bandgap references, power-on-reset (POR) circuits, ADCs, and comparators at the transistor level.
• Perform comprehensive SPICE-based simulations, including PVT (process, voltage, temperature) analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, and post-layout simulations with parasitic extraction.
• Analyze and optimize circuit stability, noise performance, and device mismatch to meet stringent audio quality and reliability requirements.
• Drive silicon bring-up activities, including initial power-on, debugging, and detailed characterization of audio and power management ICs.
• Lead and support hand-on bench testing using oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum/audio analyzers to validate design performance and correlate with simulations.
• Design power management systems tailored for audio applications, including multi-voltage domains, protection circuits, and high-efficiency, low-power architectures.
• Collaborate closely with layout engineers to guide floorplanning, layout implementation, and layout-versus-schematic (LVS) and design rule check (DRC) closure.
• Work with validation and test engineering teams to define test plans, support test development, and ensure robust production test coverage.
• Participate in customer discussions and technical reviews, providing design insight and support for integration of audio ICs into end applications.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design flows, methodologies, and automation for analog and mixed-signal audio IC development.
• Support documentation of design specifications, simulation reports, characterization results, and application guidelines for internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• 6–10 years of experience in analog and mixed-signal IC design.
• Proven experience in transistor-level analog circuit design using CMOS technologies.
• Strong background in analog IC design, including biasing, gain stages, references, and feedback architectures.
• Hands-on mixed-signal circuit design experience, including interfaces between analog and digital domains.
• Experience across the full silicon lifecycle, from design and simulation through layout support, tapeout, and silicon bring-up.
• Practical experience with silicon validation, debugging, and characterization in the lab.
• Deep understanding of audio architectures, particularly Class-D amplifiers and ADC-based audio signal chains.
• Expertise in power management design, including voltage regulators, under-voltage and over-voltage protection (UVP/OVP), and power-on-reset (POR) circuits.
• Proficiency with SPICE-based simulation tools such as Spectre, HSPICE, or APS for transistor-level analysis.
• Experience performing PVT analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, and post-layout simulations with parasitic extraction.
• Strong skills in stability analysis, noise analysis, and mismatch analysis for precision analog and audio circuits.
• Proficiency with Cadence Virtuoso for schematic entry and interaction with layout.
• Demonstrated participation in at least one successful IC tapeout.
• Experience with low-power and high-efficiency analog and power management designs.
• Additional Skills & Qualifications
• Experience with audio IC design, including Class-D or Class-AB power amplifiers and full audio signal chains, is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with Cadence Virtuoso layout environment and close collaboration with layout engineers.
• Experience with Spectre, HSPICE, or APS simulators for advanced analog and mixed-signal simulations.
• Hands-on experience with silicon bring-up and detailed characterization of analog and mixed-signal ICs.
• Comfort working with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum or audio analyzers for bench validation.
• Familiarity with Verilog-AMS for mixed-signal modeling and verification is a plus.
• Scripting or programming skills in Python or MATLAB for test automation, data analysis, and characterization workflows are nice to have.
• background in analog circuit design, mixed-signal design, IC design flows, and tapeout processes.
• Ability to document design work clearly and communicate technical concepts effectively to cross-functional teams.

Work Environment

You will work in a collaborative semiconductor design environment focused on high-performance, low-power audio integrated circuits.

The role involves a blend of office-based design work using industry-standard EDA tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, HSPICE, and APS, and hand-on laboratory work for silicon bring-up and characterization.

In the lab, you will use oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and audio analyzers to validate and debug designs.

You will collaborate closely with layout, validation, and test engineering teams, as well as engage in technical discussions with customers and internal stakeholders.

The environment supports end-to-end silicon development, from architecture through tapeout and production, offering exposure to advanced analog, mixed-signal, and audio technologies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Bellevue, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $160000.00 - $200000.00/yr.

• Full Sigma FTE company benefits
• Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Bellevue, WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions.

We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market.

With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.

S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a Clearly Rated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices. com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates.

AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team.

By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

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