Principal Audio/DSP Systems Engineer

Job Title

Principal Audio/DSP Systems Engineer

Role Summary

Lead design and deployment of audio AI and signal-processing solutions from algorithm to silicon. Work with DSP and NPU targets to partition workloads, optimize fixed-point implementations, and close gaps between algorithmic intent and hardware behavior.

Experience Level

Senior-level (Principal). The posting specifies 10+ years of experience in audio/speech signal processing within a semiconductor environment.

Responsibilities

Deliver production-ready audio/ML solutions and influence ASIC/system architecture to meet real-time, always-on constraints.

• Architect and optimize deployment pipelines for compact audio AI models including quantization, profiling, and production deployment on DSP/NPU targets.
• Define DSP/NPU partitioning strategies balancing workload, memory bandwidth, latency, and power on SoC platforms.
• Develop bit-exact reference models and own simulation-to-RTL validation flows; collaborate with RTL teams on functional verification.
• Implement and optimize signal-processing and neural-network kernels for fixed-point DSP and NPU instruction sets to maximize MAC, SIMD, and memory usage.
• Profile and optimize inference performance (cycles, memory footprint, power) under always-on and real-time constraints for hearable/wearable devices.
• Design and maintain model compression and quantization workflows (PTQ, QAT) with quality tracking vs floating-point baselines.
• Translate MATLAB/Python prototypes for array processing, beamforming, and spatial filtering into deployable fixed-point implementations.
• Inform hardware specification decisions (precision, buffers, DMA, NPU config) based on algorithm and deployment requirements.
• Mentor engineers on deployment best practices, embedded optimization, and hardware-aware algorithm design; represent technical work to OEM customers.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% for customer or cross-site collaboration.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience for successful performance in this role.

• 10+ years of hands-on deployment experience on DSP and/or NPU platforms (experience expectation retained here as a technical requirement).
• Demonstrated expertise in fixed-point algorithm implementation, model quantization (PTQ/QAT), and cycle-level optimization for resource-constrained processors.
• Working knowledge of simulation-to-RTL flows, RTL co-simulation, and collaboration on functional verification (education requirement moved to Education Requirements).
• Proficiency in C (embedded/firmware), Python, MATLAB, and deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow/TFLite, PyTorch/ONNX.
• Experience with low-level profiling tools, ISA-level optimization, and memory optimization for embedded AI inference.
• Solid foundation in array signal processing, beamforming, and acoustic system design.
• Strong debugging, performance-analysis, and hardware-aware optimization skills.

Education Requirements

PhD in Electrical Engineering, signal processing, or a related field is specified as required.

About the Company

Company: Analog Devices

Headquarters: Norwood, Massachusetts, USA

Analog Devices is a leading global semiconductor company that bridges the physical and digital worlds, enabling breakthroughs at the Intelligent Edge. With a focus on innovation, ADI develops solutions that drive advancements in digitized factories, mobility, and digital healthcare. The company employs around 24,000 people globally and reported revenues exceeding $9 billion in FY24, creating technologies that transform lives across various sectors.