Senior Validation and Characterization Engineer

Cirrus Logic; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Inclusive workplace culture

Opportunities for career growth

Job summary

A leading semiconductor company in Scotland is looking for a Senior Validation and Characterization Engineer to join their cross-functional team. This hybrid role involves testing and validating advanced mixed-signal products. Ideal candidates will hold an engineering degree and have experience in IC Validation or Test Engineering, along with strong Python skills for developing automated test frameworks. Join the team to contribute to innovative solutions and work in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an IC Validation or Test Engineering role.
• Experienced in scripting languages, preferably Python.
• Excellent organizational skills to meet timelines.

Responsibilities

• Bench test and debug embedded on-chip circuitry to ensure functionality.
• Design and debug silicon validation and characterization board-level hardware.
• Develop automated test framework and regression test suites in Python.

Skills

Electrical engineering knowledge in analog and digital

Experience in IC Validation or Test Engineering

Python scripting for automation and data analysis

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Education

BSc, MSc or MEng in Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Tools

Spotfire

Excel

JMP

NI STS / PXIe platforms

Job description

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!

We have an exciting opportunity to be part of a collaborative, cross‑functional development team validating and characterizing advanced mixed‑signal products. You will play a critical role in supporting new product introductions and post‑silicon validation. Our high‑performance chips enable an incredible mixed‑signal experience with highly integrated, platform‑level functionality while delivering the lowest power consumption and highest efficiency.

As a Senior Validation and Characterization Engineer, you will work closely with our cross‑functional teams and will report project status/progress to program management on a regular basis. You will have the opportunity to, and be responsible for, leading, mentoring, and providing technical guidance to other engineering team members. In this role, you can leverage your experience and industry knowledge to architect, and drive implementation of continuous improvements to test infrastructure and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Bench test, debug, and characterization of embedded on‑chip circuitry (amplifiers, data converters, power converters, etc.) to ensure functionality and performance as per the datasheet.
• Design, develop, and debug silicon validation and characterization board‑level hardware and bring‑up the platforms prior to first silicon.
• Develop automated test framework and regression test suites in Python to optimize validation efficiency.
• Architect and drive implementation of software framework methodologies based primarily in Python.
• Work with Validation and Production Test engineering peers to implement best practices and continuous improvements to Cirrus Logic backend test methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with Design Engineers, Systems Engineers, and Application Engineers to understand requirements and use cases.
• Analyze test results and identify failures/defects using business intelligence tools such as Spotfire, Excel and JMP.
• Support and develop automation software for test equipment including NI STS / PXIe platforms and bench‑top instruments.
• Write technical reports/summaries of all data collected.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• BSc, MSc or MEng in Electrical & Electronic Engineering with proven experience in an IC Validation or Test Engineering role.
• Advanced electrical engineering knowledge in analog, digital, power electronics or audio engineering. This includes mixed‑signal building blocks such as ADCs, DACs, PLLs, amplifiers, LDOs, SMPSs, signal processing and measurement, IC control/communication protocols.
• Experienced in scripting languages, Python preferred test automation and data analysis.
• Able to handle engineering tasks, on an as‑needed basis, combining experience in Characterization, Failure Analysis, Test Development, Statistical analysis, and Customer Support.
• Ability to organize assignments and schedule time to drive deliverables within established timelines.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with others to solve routine problems.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical & diagnostic skills.

This position is based in our Edinburgh office. It is a hybrid role with some flexibility to work from home, depending on business needs. Candidates must live within a commutable distance or be willing to relocate.

Export control restrictions based upon applicable laws and regulations would prohibit candidates who are nationals of certain embargoed countries from working in this position without Cirrus Logic first obtaining an export license. Candidates for this role must be able to access technical data without a requirement for an export license. We are unable to sponsor or obtain export licenses for this role.

At Cirrus Logic, we believe that diversity drives innovation, and we are committed to encouraging an open and collaborative culture where different approaches, ideas, and points of view are respected and valued. We aim to promote a workplace where everyone can contribute irrespective of race, colour, national origin, religion or belief, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy status, or disability.