Principal Audio/DSP Systems Engineer

Principal Audio/DSP Systems Engineer

Analog Devices

Boston, MA • On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Analog Devices rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 137 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

About Analog Devices
Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI ) is a global semiconductor leader that bridges the physical and digital worlds to enable breakthroughs at the Intelligent Edge. ADI combines analog, digital, and software technologies into solutions that help drive advancements in digitized factories, mobility, and digital healthcare, combat climate change, and reliably connect humans and the world. With revenue of more than $9 billion in FY24 and approximately 24,000 people globally, ADI ensures today's innovators stay Ahead of What's Possible™. Learn more at www.analog.com and on LinkedIn and Twitter (X).
Principal Audio/DSP Systems Engineer
Responsibilities:
  • Architect and optimize end-to-end deployment pipelines for compact audio AI models from trained model through quantization, profiling, and production deployment on DSP/NPU targets
  • Define and drive DSP/NPU partitioning strategies, balancing workload allocation, memory bandwidth, latency, and power across processing elements on the SoC
  • Own simulation-to-RTL validation flows: develop bit-exact reference models, collaborate with RTL teams on functional verification, and close gaps between algorithmic intent and hardware behavior
  • Perform low-level implementation and optimization of signal processing and neural network kernels for fixed-point DSP and NPU instruction sets, maximizing utilization of MAC arrays, SIMD paths, and on-chip memory hierarchies
  • Profile and optimize inference performance (cycles, memory footprint, power) under strict always-on and real-time constraints typical of hearable/wearable devices
  • Design and maintain model compression and quantization workflows (PTQ, QAT) with rigorous quality tracking against floating-point baselines
  • Develop signal processing algorithms for array processing, beamforming, and spatial filtering, with a clear path from MATLAB/Python prototypes to deployable fixed-point implementations
  • Contribute to audio ASIC system architecture definition - informing hardware spec decisions (precision, buffer sizes, DMA structures, NPU config) based on algorithmic and deployment requirements
  • Generate IP (patents) and represent the team's technical depth to OEM customers in automotive and hearable segments
  • Mentor engineers in deployment best practices, embedded optimization, and hardware-aware algorithm design

Required Qualifications:
  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, signal processing, or related field
  • 10+ years in audio/speech signal processing within a semiconductor environment, with significant hands-on deployment experience on DSP and/or NPU platforms
  • Demonstrated expertise in fixed-point algorithm implementation, model quantization (PTQ/QAT), and cycle-level optimization for resource-constrained processors
  • Strong working knowledge of simulation-to-RTL flows: bit-exact modeling, RTL co-simulation, and functional verification collaboration with design teams
  • Proficiency in C (embedded/firmware level), Python, MATLAB, and deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow/TFLite, PyTorch/ONNX)
  • Experience with low-level profiling tools, instruction set architectures, and memory optimization for embedded AI inference
  • Solid foundation in array signal processing, beamforming, and acoustic system design

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Direct experience with NPU/accelerator architectures (dataflow engines, weight-stationary/output-stationary designs) and their programming models
  • Familiarity with ASIC development cycles - from algorithm freeze through tapeout and silicon validation
  • Background in always-on, sub-mW audio processing for hearable, TWS, or wearable products
  • Track record of US patents in audio signal processing or embedded ML
  • Experience technically leading a small engineering team

For positions requiring access to technical data, Analog Devices, Inc. may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. As such, applicants for this position - except US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, and protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) - may have to go through an export licensing review process.
Analog Devices is an equal opportunity employer. We foster a culture where everyone has an opportunity to succeed regardless of their race, color, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, union membership, and political affiliation, or any other legally protected group.
EEO is the Law: Notice of Applicant Rights Under the Law.
Job Req Type: Experienced
Required Travel: Yes, 10% of the time
Shift Type: 1st Shift/Days
The expected wage range for a new hire into this position is $200,000 to $275,000.
  • Actual wage offered may vary depending on work location, experience, education, training, external market data, internal pay equity, or other bona fide factors.
  • This position qualifies for a discretionary performance-based bonus which is based on personal and company factors.
  • This position includes medical, vision and dental coverage, 401k, paid vacation, holidays, and sick time, and other benefits.

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About Analog Devices

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Analog Devices (NASDAQ: ADI) designs and manufactures semiconductor products and solutions. We enable our customers to interpret the world around us by intelligently bridging the physical and digital worlds with unmatched technologies that sense, measure and connect.

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Norwood, MA, US

Year founded

1965



Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a DSP Engineer?

A: To succeed as a DSP (Digital Signal Processing) Engineer, key technical skills include proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, and MATLAB, as well as expertise in signal processing algorithms, filter design, and digital filter implementation. Additionally, strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively are essential soft skills, along with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies. These strengths enable DSP Engineers to design and develop innovative signal processing systems, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive project success, ultimately supporting career growth and effectiveness in the role.

Q: What is the career path for a DSP Engineer?

A: A DSP (Digital Signal Processing) Engineer's career path typically begins with entry-level roles such as DSP Engineer or Signal Processing Engineer, where they design and develop algorithms for signal processing applications. As they gain experience, they progress to mid-level roles like Senior DSP Engineer or Technical Lead, where they oversee project implementation, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to technical strategy. Senior roles, such as Principal Engineer or Technical Director, involve leading cross-functional teams, driving innovation, and making strategic technical decisions, offering opportunities for long-term career growth and potential directions into management, research, or technical consulting roles.



Analog Devices job posting for a Principal Audio/DSP Systems Engineer in Boston, MA with a salary of $200,000 to $275,000 Annually and benefits including Medical, Vision, Dental, PTO, and Retirement with a map of Boston location.