Product Teardown Research Engineer

Saved 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! 

This position is responsible for performing product tear-downs and competitive analysis. Reverse engineer the latest electronic gadgets to determine sub-system and IC functions and collect measurement data to determine key behavior and characteristics. Provide a complete analysis of the overall system, subsystems, and specific ICs for electronic devices in categories such as smartphones, tablets, hearables, wearables, smart home, and automotive infotainment.

Key Responsibilities

Reverse engineer detailed product information by identifying areas of interest, selecting appropriate analytical techniques, and evaluating results

Compose and perform innovative test experiments to determine system and IC performance

Work closely with subject matter experts in Systems, Design, and Marketing teams to analyze results and determine relevance to internal developments

Deliver comprehensive assessments of electronic, electro-mechanical, and mechanical sub-systems and components in a product, including diagrams for system connectivity and circuit schematics where possible

Assess product architectures and provide reasoning for design choices

Provide material lists including estimated passive component and IC costs/pricing

Assess competitive IC’s capabilities and physical analysis for analog/digital/memory structures

Provide HW/FW/SW interaction analysis, algorithm functional analysis, and protocol analysis

Develop equipment and techniques for the analysis of new devices and technologies; perform experimental research to find and define solutions

Engage external data sources/services/contractors or outsource functions as required

Produce reports and build competitive database

Keep up with news about competitors and new electronics products/technology

Communicate ideas and specifications to technical audiences

Autonomously manage task list and competing priorities

Required Skills and Qualifications

BS in Electrical Engineering, plus 3+ years of system- or circuit-level electronics experience, including hands-on lab functional testing and measurement at both device and system levels

Experience with multiple applications/technology used in electronic products such as audio, autofocus and optical image stabilization, voice coil or other motor drive/control, MEMS, inertial/light/pressure/magnetic/touch/force/temperature sensors, haptics, wireless radios/protocols, USB or other complex serial bus protocols

Strong analytical problem-solving skills and optimistic attitude to addressing challenges

Exceptional written, verbal communication and presentation skills with the ability to succinctly compile and compose written reports

Task and detailed oriented; very organized

Dynamic and able to learn quickly, self-starter, and unafraid to ask questions

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

Knowledge of semiconductor device physics

Knowledge of closed loop control and adaptive algorithms

Understanding of kernel level coding and debugging and device drivers

Programming or macro/script development experience

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

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.