Hardware Applications Engineer

Cirrus Logic; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Cirrus Logic's PC Division seeks an experienced Hardware Applications Engineer to drive the next generation of audio in laptops and desktops. You will act as the technical bridge between our codec/amplifier silicon and PC industry customers, leading design-in activities and delivering robust audio solutions.

The role emphasizes deep-dive debugging, system-level problem solving, and mentorship. Candidates should have a EE degree with 5+ years in acoustic/semiconductor hardware, PCB design, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 5+ years in acoustic/semiconductor with amplifiers or codecs.
• PCB schematic capture and layout design experience.
• Knowledge of SoundWire, I2S, TDM, and I2C/SPI interfaces.
• Lab tools including oscilloscopes, signal generators, Audio Precision analyzers, logic & spectrum analyzers.
• System-level debugging of hardware, software, and firmware with customers.
• Strong written and verbal communication for customers and non-technical stakeholders.
• Scripting in Python for automation and data analysis.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites and conferences.

Responsibilities

• Customer Design Leadership: primary engineering consultant for customers and FAEs.
• System Integration & Debug: lead in-depth circuit analysis and hardware debug on-site as needed.
• PCB Design Review: review customer PCB schematics and layouts for performance.
• New Product Enablement: define and release devices, create enablement assets.
• Design Tooling & Development: schematic capture for development boards; collaborate with software teams.
• Mentorship & Training: lead technical training for customers and FAEs.
• Cross-Functional Strategy: collaborate with silicon, firmware, and Product Marketing teams.

Skills

PCB Design & Layout

Interface Standards (SoundWire I2S SPI

Lab Testing & Debugging

System-Level Troubleshooting

Customer Engagement

Python scripting

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic Analyzers

Spectrum Analyzers

Audio Precision analyzers

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, which was 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!

Our PC Division is seeking an experienced Hardware Applications Engineer to drive the next generation of audio experiences in laptops, desktops, and more. You won't just support products; you will be the critical technical bridge between our cutting-edge codec and amplifier silicon and our top-tier PC industry customers, playing a key role in securing major design wins. If you thrive on deep-dive debug, system-level problem-solving, and have a passion for flawless audio quality, this is the role for you.

Responsibilities

• Customer Design Leadership: Drive the adoption of Cirrus Logic products by serving as the primary engineering consultant for customers and Field Application Engineers (FAEs).
• System Integration & Debug: Lead in-depth circuit analysis, data collection, and hardware debug to solve complex system-level integration challenges, travelling to customer sites as needed to ensure successful design-in activities.
• PCB Design Review: Execute technical reviews of customer PCB schematics and layouts to ensure optimal performance and integration of our high-performance components.
• New Product Enablement: Lead the Applications role in the definition and release of new devices, designing and maintaining key enablement assets such as application notes, reference schematics, and user guides to accelerate customer adoption.
• Design Tooling & Development: Design and schematic capture of internal and external customer development boards; collaborate closely with the software team on product tools and utilities.
• Mentorship & Training: Lead technical training sessions for both customer engineering teams and internal FAEs to elevate their product knowledge and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Cross-Functional Strategy: Communicate and collaborate effectively with silicon, firmware, and Product Marketing teams to contribute to the product roadmap and define key features for next-generation audio solutions.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Experience: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 5+ years of hands-on experience in the acoustic/semiconductor industry, specifically with amplifiers, codecs, or related mixed-signal audio technology.
• Board-Level Design: Proven experience with printed circuit board (PCB) schematic capture and layout design, including critical component selection.
• Standard Interfaces: Demonstrated aptitude and understanding of various industry interface standards, such as SoundWire, I2S, TDM, and I2C/SPI.
• Lab Expertise: Strong, demonstrable experience analyzing and evaluating audio products with professional lab equipment, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, Audio Precision analyzers, logic analyzers, and spectrum analyzers.
• System-Level Troubleshooting: Proven track record of debugging complex customer system-level hardware, software, and firmware integration issues.
• Customer Focus: Exceptional ability to clearly communicate complex technical challenges and solutions both verbally and in writing to customers and non-technical stakeholders.
• Programming Aptitude: Familiarity with a scripting/programming language such as Python or similar for automation and data analysis.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel to customer sites and conferences to support design-in activities.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Electrical Engineering
• PC Market Knowledge: Direct experience with the specific requirements, qualification processes, and ecosystem of the PC market (laptops, desktops, accessories).
• Signal Processing: An understanding of audio signal processing algorithms and techniques.
• Advanced Analysis: Experience utilizing audio analysis software, MATLAB, Python, and/or Excel for complex mathematical analysis of performance data.
• Passion for Audio: A genuine enthusiasm and passion for audio technology and delivering a superior end-user acoustic experience.

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.

Cirrus Logic strives to select the best qualified applicant for any opening. Different approaches, ideas and points of view are both valued and respected. Employment decisions are made on the basis of job-related criteria without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law.