Principal Audio/DSP Systems Engineer

Analog Devices; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401k

Paid vacation

Holidays

Sick time

Discretionary performance-based bonus

Job summary

Analog Devices is looking for a Principal Audio/DSP Systems Engineer to optimize deployment pipelines for audio AI models and define DSP/NPU strategies. Candidates should hold a PhD in Electrical Engineering and have over 10 years of experience in audio signal processing.

This role involves end-to-end implementation from model validation to optimizing performance under strict operational constraints. Strong programming skills in C and Python, as well as proficiency in deep learning frameworks, are crucial.

The expected salary range is $200,000 to $275,000, along with benefits including medical coverage and a potential performance-based bonus.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in audio/speech signal processing within a semiconductor environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in fixed-point algorithm implementation and model quantization.
• Solid foundation in array signal processing, beamforming, and acoustic system design.

Responsibilities

• Architect and optimize end-to-end deployment pipelines for compact audio AI models.
• Define DSP/NPU partitioning strategies to balance workload and memory bandwidth.
• Own simulation-to-RTL validation flows and develop reference models.

Skills

Audio/speech signal processing

DSP/NPU deployment experience

Fixed-point algorithm implementation

C programming

Python programming

MATLAB proficiency

Deep learning frameworks

Memory optimization

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

TensorFlow/TFLite

PyTorch/ONNX

Job description

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.

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

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.

Compensation & Benefits

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.

Required Travel: Yes, 10% of the time

Shift Type: 1st Shift/Days