Digital ASIC Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital ASIC Design Manager

Company: Keysight Technologies, Inc.

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / ASIC Design

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and scale a high-performing organization responsible for next-generation Digital ASIC design and delivery.

• Define and execute the technical strategy for digital IP, block-level design, and verification, ensuring alignment with product differentiation and long-term reuse.

• Drive program delivery from concept through tapeout and into productization, managing schedules, resources, and risk mitigation.

• Foster a culture of engineering excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement in design flows and automation.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams including physical design, DFT/test, systems engineering, and foundry partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a management position focused on the technical strategy and execution of Digital ASIC design within Keysight Laboratories, a key R&D organization. The emphasis is on both technical leadership in ASIC development and people management to build and mentor a team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Set and drive the technical strategy for digital IP, block-level design, verification, and full-chip integration, aligning architectural choices to product differentiation, schedule, and long-term reuse.

• Lead, mentor, and scale a high-performing organization of architects, RTL designers, and verification engineers, establishing clear technical expectations and a culture of ownership and excellence.

• Own program delivery from concept through tapeout and into productization, planning resources, managing schedules and milestones, and proactively driving risk retirement and trade-off decisions.

• Influence outcomes across the broader silicon ecosystem by partnering tightly with physical design, DFT/test, IP, software/firmware, packaging, systems engineering, and foundry/OSAT partners.

• Establish and enforce robust quality and signoff discipline, including design reviews, coding standards, verification closure, timing and power closure, area/constraints management, and manufacturability/yield considerations.

• Build a world-class team: recruit and hire top talent, develop technical leaders, and manage performance and career growth to retain key capabilities.

• Manage the operating model for the team, including budget ownership, EDA/tool strategy, license planning, and vendor/partner selection.

• Drive continuous improvement in productivity and predictability through design flows, automation, CI/regression infrastructure, and disciplined IP reuse strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership in advanced ASIC development and operational management of a team and its resources. The expectation is for the manager to be hands-on in strategy and oversight while also being responsible for team growth and performance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 7+ years of digital IC/ASIC development experience.

• Demonstrated progression in technical leadership, with people management experience preferred.

Required Skills:

• Strong hands-on depth in RTL micro-architecture and implementation (SystemVerilog/Verilog/VHDL).

• Expertise in synthesis, Static Timing Analysis (STA)/timing closure, and power/performance optimization.

• Deep expertise in modern verification methodologies, including constrained-random methodology and formal techniques.

• Working knowledge of the full silicon lifecycle and cross-functional handoffs, including physical design, DFT/scan, signoff flows, and foundry enablement.

• Proficiency with industry-standard EDA environments (e.g., Cadence and Siemens/Mentor).

• Executive-level communication skills and strong stakeholder management capabilities.

• Sound judgment under schedule pressure, with a track record of prioritizing the right trade-offs while maintaining quality.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with acceleration/emulation for verification.

• Proficiency with productivity scripting/automation tools such as Python, Tcl, and/or Ruby.

• Experience managing operating models including budget, EDA/tool strategy, license planning, and vendor selection.

• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and disciplined IP reuse strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in digital ASIC design and verification, coupled with significant leadership and program management experience. The "7+ years" combined with "demonstrated progression in technical leadership" suggests that candidates with around 10+ years of overall experience, including substantial leadership roles, will be well-suited.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of complex RTL micro-architectures and implementation strategies, detailing the problem statement, design choices, and outcomes.

• Present case studies of successful ASIC tapeouts, highlighting the program management approach, risk identification and mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Demonstrate proficiency in verification strategies, including the application of constrained-random methodologies and formal techniques, with measurable improvements in verification closure.

Process Documentation:

• Document the implementation of robust design review processes, outlining the methodology for identifying and resolving issues early in the development cycle.

• Detail the establishment and enforcement of coding standards, verification coverage metrics, and signoff criteria for RTL design and verification.

• Provide examples of how automation and CI/regression infrastructure were leveraged to improve productivity, predictability, and quality in ASIC development flows.

• Showcase experience in developing and managing EDA tool strategies, license planning, and vendor/partner selection to optimize team efficiency and cost.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates are expected to demonstrate their capabilities through detailed examples during interviews and potentially through a presentation. The focus will be on their management approach, technical strategy, and ability to drive complex ASIC projects to successful completion.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $151,000.00 - $253,000.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Health Savings Account (HSA).

• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

• Life, Accident, and Disability insurance.

• Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health coverage.

• 401(k) Plan with company match potential.

• Flexible Time Off and Paid Holidays.

• Paid Family Leave.

• Employee Discounts and Perks.

• Tuition Reimbursement.

• Adoption Assistance.

Working Hours:

• The standard full-time work week is typically 40 hours. Flexibility may be available, but the role requires significant commitment to program delivery and team leadership, often necessitating work outside standard hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a guideline, with most offers expected between the minimum and midpoint. The range is typical for a senior engineering management role in ASIC design in a high-cost-of-living area like Colorado Springs, considering the experience level and responsibilities. The benefits package is comprehensive, aligning with large technology companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electronics, Test & Measurement, Semiconductor Solutions. Keysight Technologies is a leader in providing advanced electronic measurement solutions, software, and services for the communications, defense, automotive, and semiconductor industries.

Company Size: Approximately 15,000 employees globally. This size indicates a stable, well-established company with structured processes and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, but also a need for clear communication and defined roles.

Founded: 1939 (as Hewlett-Packard), spun off as Keysight Technologies in 2014. This long history suggests a deep-rooted engineering culture, a legacy of innovation, and established best practices.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within Keysight Laboratories, a global technology organization focused on breakthrough innovations.

• The ASIC team is described as a high-performance, globally connected engineering organization.

• This manager will lead a team of architects, RTL designers, and verification engineers.

Methodology:

• Focus on data-driven decision-making, leveraging metrics for productivity, predictability, and quality improvements.

• Emphasis on robust engineering processes, including design reviews, coding standards, verification closure, and signoff discipline.

• Utilization of industry-standard EDA tools and environments for design, verification, and analysis.

• Adoption of automation, CI/regression infrastructure, and IP reuse strategies to enhance efficiency.

• A culture of continuous improvement and proactive risk management.

Company Website: https://www.keysight.com/us/en/about.html

📝 Enhancement Note: Keysight's culture is characterized by innovation, a commitment to solving complex problems, and fostering a sense of belonging. For an operations or engineering management role, this translates to an environment that values technical rigor, collaboration, and continuous learning, with a strong emphasis on delivering high-impact solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position focused on leading a critical engineering function (Digital ASIC Design). It represents a significant step up from individual contributor roles, requiring strong technical depth combined with people management and strategic planning skills.

Reporting Structure: The manager will likely report to a Director or higher within Keysight Laboratories or a broader Silicon Engineering division. They will be responsible for managing a team of individual contributors and potentially junior technical leads.

Operations Impact: The Digital ASIC Design team is a direct driver of Keysight's success, creating ASICs that unlock performance and customer value in new products across various markets (communications, automotive, semiconductor). This role has a substantial impact on the company's ability to innovate and maintain a competitive edge through proprietary silicon.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: Deepen expertise in advanced ASIC architectures, emerging semiconductor technologies, and leading-edge design methodologies. Opportunity to influence the technical roadmap for silicon development at Keysight.

• People Management & Leadership Development: Grow management skills by leading larger teams, developing future technical leaders, and contributing to the overall talent strategy within Keysight.

• Program & Portfolio Management: Expand scope to manage larger, more complex, or multiple ASIC programs simultaneously, potentially overseeing larger budgets and broader cross-functional initiatives.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to higher-level strategic decisions regarding silicon development, technology investments, and product roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a key leadership opportunity within a specialized technical domain. Growth paths would typically involve moving into Director-level positions overseeing larger engineering groups, specialized technology areas, or broader product development functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Colorado Springs, CO, at a "purpose-built development campus" that integrates engineering, advanced technology development, assembly, and machining. This suggests an on-site environment designed for collaboration and innovation, with access to specialized facilities.

Office Location(s): 1904 Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907-3417. The location is highlighted for its quality of life, access to outdoor activities, and approximately 300 days of sunshine.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment is implied by the integrated campus design and the need for close partnerships with various engineering disciplines.

• Access to advanced technology development facilities and potentially state-of-the-art EDA tools and computing resources.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with a high-performance engineering team and cross-functional stakeholders.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the demands of managing complex ASIC programs, especially around tapeout milestones, will likely require flexibility and potentially extended hours to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Colorado Springs location is presented as a significant advantage, emphasizing lifestyle and access to outdoor recreation, which can be a strong draw for talent. The integrated campus design suggests a workplace that supports hands-on engineering and close team collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or hiring manager screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interviews: Multiple rounds focusing on deep technical expertise in digital ASIC design, RTL architecture, verification methodologies, STA, and power optimization. Expect scenario-based questions and problem-solving exercises.

• Management Interviews: Focus on leadership style, team building, program management experience, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution. Candidates will be asked to provide examples of past leadership successes and challenges.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Discussions with peers or stakeholders from related departments (e.g., Physical Design, Systems Engineering) to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the broader silicon ecosystem.

• Final Round/Executive Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall strategy, vision, and long-term impact on the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prepare detailed case studies of complex ASIC projects you have managed or significantly contributed to. Focus on your role in defining technical strategy, managing execution, and overcoming challenges.

• Be ready to discuss specific architectural decisions, RTL design choices, verification strategies, and the rationale behind them.

• Quantify achievements wherever possible: e.g., improvements in performance, power, area, verification coverage, schedule adherence, or cost savings.

• For management aspects, highlight your approach to team building, performance management, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive engineering culture.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect technical challenges related to RTL design, verification strategy, or timing/power optimization. These might be presented as whiteboard exercises or take-home assignments.

• Prepare for management-related case studies where you'll need to outline how you would address a team performance issue, manage a project delay, or allocate resources for competing priorities.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as executive-level communication is a key requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should anticipate a rigorous interview process that thoroughly evaluates both their technical depth in ASIC design and their capability as a leader and manager. The ability to articulate past successes and strategic thinking will be paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• RTL Design & Implementation: SystemVerilog, Verilog, VHDL.

• Synthesis: Tools from Cadence (e.g., Genus) or Synopsys.

• Static Timing Analysis (STA) & Power Analysis: Tools from Cadence (e.g., Tempus, Voltus) or Synopsys (e.g., PrimeTime, PrimePower).

• Verification: Cadence Xcelium, Synopsys VCS, Mentor Graphics QuestaSim, or similar simulation environments. Advanced verification techniques like constrained-random methodology and formal verification tools.

• EDA Environment Management: Experience with industry-standard EDA environments from Cadence and Siemens/Mentor is required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for tracking design metrics, verification coverage, timing closure status, power consumption, and project milestones.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in the traditional CRM sense, but proficiency with scripting languages for automation is critical.

• Scripting & Automation: Python, Tcl, and/or Ruby for flow automation, tool scripting, data analysis, and CI/regression infrastructure.

• Version Control: Git or similar for RTL and script management.

• CI/CD Infrastructure: Experience with setting up and managing continuous integration and regression systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specific EDA tool suites (Cadence, Siemens/Mentor) is crucial. The emphasis on scripting languages like Python, Tcl, and Ruby indicates a need for automation to drive efficiency in design flows and verification processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design, rigorous verification, and robust signoff processes.

• Innovation: Driving breakthroughs and developing highly differentiated solutions through advanced ASIC capabilities.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of programs, results, and team performance, with a focus on delivery and predictability.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams (design, verification, physical design, systems, software) and with external partners.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking ways to enhance productivity, predictability, and quality of design flows and methodologies.

• Customer Focus: Developing ASICs that unlock step-function performance and customer value in Keysight's products.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires tight partnerships with numerous engineering disciplines and external vendors, necessitating strong communication and problem-solving skills to navigate dependencies and trade-offs.

• Data-Driven Discussions: Decisions are expected to be supported by data, metrics, and technical analysis.

• Proactive Communication: Open and honest communication about progress, risks, and challenges is essential for program success.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where team members learn from each other and grow technically.

📝 Enhancement Note: Keysight values a culture of innovation and problem-solving. For this management role, expect an environment that encourages technical leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and a strong sense of ownership for driving key engineering initiatives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Designing and delivering next-generation ASICs involves navigating cutting-edge technologies, complex architectures, and stringent performance/power requirements.

• Program Delivery: Managing complex, multi-year ASIC development programs with aggressive schedules and tight interdependencies across multiple engineering teams and external partners.

• Team Scaling & Development: Recruiting, retaining, and developing top engineering talent in a competitive market, while fostering a high-performing and cohesive team culture.

• Process Optimization: Continuously improving design flows, automation strategies, and verification methodologies to enhance productivity and predictability in a fast-paced R&D environment.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of various internal stakeholders (product teams, R&D leadership, other engineering groups) and external partners (foundries).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced ASIC Design & Verification: Exposure to state-of-the-art technologies and design challenges in areas like high-speed digital logic, complex IPs, and advanced verification techniques.

• Leadership & People Management: Opportunities to refine leadership skills, develop coaching capabilities, and manage career growth for a team of specialized engineers.

• Strategic Silicon Development: Gaining insight into Keysight's broader silicon strategy, technology roadmaps, and how ASIC development contributes to market differentiation.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of evolving semiconductor technologies, EDA tools, and best practices through internal resources, conferences, and industry engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges inherent in leading advanced technology development, balanced by substantial opportunities for professional growth in both technical and leadership domains.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to setting technical strategy for a digital ASIC design team. How do you ensure alignment with product differentiation and long-term reuse?"

• "How do you build and scale a high-performing team of architects, RTL designers, and verification engineers? What are your key principles for mentorship and performance management?"

• "Walk me through your process for managing a complex ASIC development program from concept through tapeout. How do you handle risk, dependencies, and trade-off decisions?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Keysight Technologies and this specific role within Keysight Laboratories?"

• "How do you see your leadership style fitting into an innovative and collaborative R&D environment like Keysight's?"

• "Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting priorities or stakeholder demands. How did you navigate it?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare 2-3 detailed case studies of significant ASIC projects you've led or managed. For each, cover:

  • The problem/opportunity and the ASIC's role.
  • Your strategic approach to architecture, design, and verification.
  • Key technical challenges encountered and how you overcame them (e.g., timing closure, power optimization, verification coverage).
  • Your management approach: team structure, resource allocation, risk management, stakeholder communication.
  • The outcome: tapeout success, product performance, impact on Keysight.

• Be ready to discuss your experience with specific EDA tools, scripting languages (Python, Tcl), and automation techniques.

• Clearly articulate the metrics you use to measure team performance, project progress, and design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will heavily focus on behavioral questions demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, supported by concrete examples from your experience. Be prepared to discuss both technical execution and people management strategies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official Keysight Technologies careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in digital ASIC design, RTL architecture, verification leadership, program management, and people management. Use keywords from the job description such as "RTL micro-architecture," "SystemVerilog," "STA," "verification," and "technical leadership." Quantify achievements with metrics wherever possible.

• Prepare your portfolio examples: Select 2-3 key ASIC projects that best demonstrate your technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and program management success. Be ready to present these in detail, focusing on challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Research Keysight: Familiarize yourself with Keysight's products, markets, and recent innovations, particularly in areas like 5G, automotive, and semiconductor test. Understand their commitment to technology innovation and their company culture.

• Practice interview questions: Rehearse answers to common behavioral and situational questions related to leadership, team management, technical problem-solving, and project delivery, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.