Analog / Mixed Signal IC Design Manager - Integrated Circuit Design at HRL Laboratories

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Analog / Mixed Signal IC Design Manager - Integrated Circuit Design

Company: HRL Laboratories

Location: Malibu, CA

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time

Category: Integrated Circuit Design / Mixed-Signal Design

Date Posted: June 12, 2025

Experience Level: 10+ years (including 3+ years of leadership)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Lead and manage a team focused on cutting-edge Analog and Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit (IC) design within a dynamic research and development environment.
Drive strategic technical direction and contribute directly to the design and development of high-performance mixed-signal systems.
Oversee resource allocation, talent acquisition, and provide technical guidance and mentorship to the design team.
Engage in hands-on technical work, applying expertise in areas such as precision analog, data converters (ADC/DAC), digital RTL-to-GDS flows, frequency synthesizers, and tunable filters.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data specifies "design" as a broad category, the detailed description clearly indicates a highly specialized role within Integrated Circuit (IC) design, specifically focusing on Analog and Mixed-Signal disciplines. The summary is enhanced to reflect this technical specialization and the dual nature of the role (management and technical contribution).

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Manage a small team of highly skilled technical staff, including resource allocation (personnel to projects) and talent acquisition (supporting recruiting).
Provide regular formal and informal feedback to team members to guide career development and enhance performance.
Lead strategic planning and influence the technical direction within the Circuits and Systems department and across other HRL departments and projects.
Contribute technically through direct design work and/or technical project leadership in areas like precision analog, data converters (ADC/DAC), digital RTL-to-GDS, frequency synthesizers, tunable filters, or subthreshold logic.
Operate within a matrixed environment, collaborating effectively with other teams and departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are broken down into distinct, actionable points, highlighting both the managerial and technical aspects of the role as specified in the input data. The emphasis on "matrixed environment" is added as it's common in R&D settings and impacts how a manager operates.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a closely related scientific discipline is required.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of experience in Integrated Circuit (IC) design, with at least 3 years in a leadership role involving the management of highly trained technical staff. Demonstrated experience with successful resource allocation and management is essential.

Required Skills:

Extensive experience (8+ years) with integrated circuit design across a range of processes including CMOS, SOI, SiGe BiCMOS, and InP.
Proven competency with industry-standard IC design environments, particularly Cadence tools.
Demonstrated experience (3+ years) in leading and managing technical teams, including hiring, performance feedback, and resource allocation.
Ability to draft job descriptions and provide critical feedback to staff.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with laboratory test equipment and characterization of mixed-signal ICs and devices.
Technical expertise in specific mixed-signal design areas such as precision analog design, data converter architectures (ADCs/DACs), digital RTL-to-GDS flows, frequency synthesis, tunable filter design, or subthreshold logic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills and qualifications section is structured to clearly distinguish between required and preferred skills, aligning with the typical format of technical job descriptions. Specific IC design process technologies (CMOS, SOI, SiGe BiCMOS, InP) and design tools (Cadence) are explicitly mentioned as per the input data. The education and experience requirements are detailed, emphasizing the leadership component.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials: While a traditional design portfolio focused on visual UI/UX might not be applicable, candidates should be prepared to present a technical portfolio or detailed project summaries showcasing their expertise in Analog and Mixed-Signal IC design. This should include:

Detailed case studies of past IC design projects, highlighting technical challenges, design choices, and achieved performance metrics.
Documentation of the design process, from concept and architecture definition through simulation, layout, and verification.
Examples demonstrating proficiency with relevant design tools and methodologies.
Results of silicon characterization and validation, if applicable, showcasing the performance of designed circuits.

Process Documentation:

Ability to clearly articulate the design process used in past projects, including initial requirements analysis and feasibility studies.
Documentation of ideation and iteration methods employed during the design phase, including simulation techniques and trade-off analysis.
Experience with validation and testing approaches used to verify circuit functionality and performance against specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Recognizing that this is a highly technical IC design role rather than a traditional graphic or product design position, the "Portfolio & Creative Requirements" section is adapted to focus on technical project documentation and case studies. The language is adjusted to reflect the nature of presenting complex circuit designs and validation results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The base salary range for this full-time, on-site position in Malibu, CA is $182,720 - $234,168 per year. This range is determined by role, level, and location, with individual pay influenced by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This compensation reflects the base salary only and does not include potential bonus or benefits.

Benefits:

Competitive bonus structure based on performance and company success.
Comprehensive benefits package (specific details to be provided by the recruiter).
Potential for additional compensation components (details available during the hiring process).

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The exact schedule may involve flexibility depending on project needs and deadlines inherent in R&D environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided in the input data is directly used. The explanation for the range is included as provided. The benefits are listed based on the input, with a note that specific details will be shared during the hiring process, as is standard practice. Working hours are clarified based on the full-time nature of the role in a research setting.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Research Services, specifically focused on pioneering advancements in physical and information science. HRL Laboratories serves critical missions in automotive, aerospace and defense sectors.

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees globally, with approximately 967 employees listed on LinkedIn. This size suggests a well-established organization with structured departments and processes, yet potentially offering opportunities for direct impact within specialized teams like Integrated Circuit Design.

Founded: 1997. Founded jointly by Boeing and GM, indicating a strong foundation in advanced research and development with a focus on delivering transformative technologies to these key industries.

Team Structure:

The role involves managing a "small group of technical staff" within the larger Circuits and Systems department.
Operates within a matrixed environment, implying reporting relationships may involve both functional management (to the department head) and project-based leadership across different initiatives.
Collaboration is expected across various HRL departments, laboratories, and projects.

Methodology:

Focus on the development, demonstration, and maturation of novel integrated circuits, suggesting a strong emphasis on research, design, and validation phases.
The technical requirements imply a rigorous design process involving architecture definition, simulation, layout, and post-silicon characterization.
Likely involves agile or iterative development methodologies common in R&D settings to accelerate innovation cycles.

Company Website: http://www.hrl.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information from the input data (industry, size, founding date, parent companies) is integrated and expanded upon to provide context relevant to a technical role. The team structure is inferred from the description of managing a "small group" within a department and operating in a "matrixed environment." The methodology is described based on the company's stated focus on development, demonstration, and maturation of novel technologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This position is a management role requiring significant prior technical expertise (8+ years) and leadership experience (3+ years). It represents a senior level within the Integrated Circuit design discipline, combining technical contribution with team leadership responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a leader within the Circuits and Systems department. As a manager, you will have direct reports within the Mixed-Signal Circuit Design Group. The matrixed environment suggests potential reporting lines or strong collaboration requirements with project leads or directors on specific initiatives.

Design Impact: The role is critical to the development and maturation of novel integrated circuits for high-performance mixed-signal systems. The designs developed by this team directly contribute to the advanced technologies HRL delivers to its key customers in the automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors.

Growth Opportunities:

Advancement within technical leadership, potentially managing larger teams or overseeing broader technical initiatives within the Circuits and Systems department.
Deepening technical expertise in specialized areas of mixed-signal design and contributing to cutting-edge research.
Opportunities to influence strategic technical direction across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career level is determined by the required years of experience and management responsibility. The reporting structure and design impact are inferred from the role title, responsibilities, and company context. Growth opportunities are described based on typical career progression paths in technical leadership and specialized R&D environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: On-site at HRL Laboratories facilities in Malibu, CA. This is a research and development laboratory environment.

Office Location(s): Primary location is Malibu, CA. The campus likely includes state-of-the-art labs, design spaces, and office areas conducive to technical work and collaboration.

Design Workspace Context:

Access to advanced computing resources and specialized software for IC design and simulation (specifically Cadence tools).
Laboratory facilities for testing and characterization of fabricated integrated circuits and devices.
Collaborative spaces for team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional interactions.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site role. While a standard work week is expected (approx. 40 hours), the nature of R&D may require flexibility based on project milestones and critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the on-site location and the nature of HRL Laboratories as a research institution. The workspace context includes typical resources and facilities found in an IC design and R&D environment. The work schedule is clarified based on the full-time requirement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process: The interview process for this technical management role will likely be rigorous and involve both technical and leadership assessments. Expect multiple rounds, potentially including:

Initial screening by HR or a recruiter to discuss qualifications and experience.
Technical interviews with team members and senior engineers to assess IC design expertise and technical problem-solving skills. Be prepared to discuss past projects in detail, including design challenges and solutions.
Interviews with leadership to evaluate management experience, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. Expect questions on team leadership, resource management, and technical direction.
A potential technical presentation or discussion of a specific design challenge or case study from your portfolio.

Portfolio Review Tips: For this role, your "portfolio" should primarily consist of detailed documentation of your past IC design projects. Focus on showcasing:

The technical complexity and novelty of your designs.
Your role and specific contributions to each project.
The design process followed, including architectural choices, simulation results, and verification strategies.
If applicable, results from silicon characterization and how the measured performance compares to design goals.

Challenge Preparation: Be prepared to discuss technical challenges you've faced in past IC design projects and how you approached solving them. For any potential technical exercises or presentations, focus on:

Clearly articulating your design rationale and decision-making process.
Demonstrating your understanding of trade-offs in mixed-signal circuit design (e.g., power, performance, area).
Presenting your technical expertise and problem-solving skills effectively.

ATS Keywords: To optimize your application for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), ensure your resume and cover letter include relevant keywords. Consider categories such as:

Design Skills: Analog Design, Mixed-Signal Design, IC Design, Circuit Design, CMOS, SOI, SiGe BiCMOS, InP, Precision Analog, Data Converters, ADC, DAC, Digital RTL-to-GDS, Frequency Synthesizers, Tunable Filters, Subthreshold Logic, VLSI Design, Semiconductor Design, Layout, Verification, Simulation, Characterization.
Tools: Cadence, SPICE, Virtuoso, Spectre, Verilog, VHDL, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Test Equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers), EDA Tools.
Methodologies: Design Methodology, Project Management, Technical Leadership, Resource Management, Strategic Planning, Problem Solving, Technical Direction, R&D, Prototyping, Validation.
Soft Skills: Team Leadership, Mentorship, Communication (written and verbal), Collaboration, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Strategic Thinking, Presentation Skills.
Industry Terms: Integrated Circuits, Mixed-Signal Systems, High Performance, R&D, Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Security Clearance, U.S. Citizenship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process is described based on typical practices for technical leadership roles in R&D environments. Specific advice for preparing a technical portfolio/project summaries and discussing design challenges is provided, tailored to the IC design discipline. A comprehensive list of relevant ATS keywords is generated based on the job description and industry standards for this field.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Cadence Tools: Required proficiency with the Cadence suite of tools for IC design, simulation, and layout. This likely includes Virtuoso for analog and mixed-signal custom design, Spectre for simulation, and potentially tools for digital flow integration.
SPICE Simulators: Experience with SPICE-based simulators for circuit analysis and verification.
Hardware Description Languages (HDLs): Familiarity with Verilog or VHDL may be required, especially for the digital RTL-to-GDS aspects of mixed-signal design.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Tools for version control and design data management to support team collaboration.
Software for documentation and knowledge sharing within the team and with other departments.
Tools for design handoff to fabrication foundries.

Research & Testing:

Experience with laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and parameter analyzers for IC characterization.
Software for instrument control and data acquisition (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB).

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology section highlights the explicitly mentioned Cadence tools and infers other commonly used tools in Analog/Mixed-Signal IC design based on the required skills and responsibilities (e.g., SPICE, HDLs, lab equipment). The categories are structured to cover the full design lifecycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values: While not explicitly stated, HRL Laboratories, as a research institution focused on pioneering technologies for critical sectors, likely values:

Technical Excellence and Innovation: A strong emphasis on pushing the boundaries of integrated circuit design and developing novel solutions.
Rigorous Problem Solving: The ability to tackle complex technical challenges and find creative, effective solutions.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Working effectively within the team and across departments in a matrixed environment.
Impact and Application: A focus on developing technologies that have a tangible impact on the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries.

Collaboration Style:

Collaboration within the Mixed-Signal Circuit Design Group is essential, involving design reviews, technical discussions, and shared problem-solving.
Cross-functional collaboration with other design teams, digital engineers, layout engineers, test engineers, and project managers is expected in the matrixed environment.
Communication and knowledge sharing are likely key aspects of the team's workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since the company's specific design values are not provided, they are inferred based on HRL's mission as a research laboratory serving high-technology industries. The collaboration style is described based on the team structure (small team within a department) and the matrixed work environment mentioned in the input.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Managing a technical team while also maintaining significant individual technical contributions (75% technical contribution). This requires strong time management and prioritization skills.
Leading strategic planning and influencing technical direction across multiple departments in a matrixed environment.
Developing and maturing novel integrated circuits for demanding high-performance applications in defense, aerospace, and automotive. This involves working with potentially challenging process technologies and stringent specifications.
Keeping pace with rapid advancements in IC design techniques, tools, and process technologies in areas like precision analog, data converters, and high-frequency circuits.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities to work on cutting-edge research projects and contribute to groundbreaking technology development.
Exposure to a wide range of integrated circuit process technologies and advanced design techniques.
Development of leadership and management skills in a technical R&D setting.
Opportunities to present work internally and potentially at external conferences or publications (depending on company policy and project classification).

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are identified based on the dual nature of the role (technical and managerial), the matrixed environment, the focus on novel, high-performance circuits, and the dynamic nature of the IC design field. Learning and development opportunities are described based on the research focus of HRL Laboratories and the technical depth required for the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions: Be prepared to discuss your approach to the entire Analog/Mixed-Signal IC design flow. Example questions might include:

Walk me through your process for designing a [specific type of mixed-signal block, e.g., high-speed ADC]. How do you handle trade-offs between speed, power, and area?
Describe a challenging technical problem you encountered in a past IC design project and how you solved it. Be specific about the technical details and your decision-making process.
How do you ensure the reliability and robustness of your analog and mixed-signal designs across process, voltage, and temperature variations?

Company Culture Questions: Demonstrate your understanding of HRL's work and how your skills align with their mission. Example questions might include:

What interests you about working at HRL Laboratories and specifically in our Circuits and Systems department?
How do you approach collaboration with engineers from different disciplines (e.g., digital design, layout, test) in a matrixed environment?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in Analog and Mixed-Signal IC design?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: When discussing your projects, focus on the technical depth and your role in the design process. For each project you present:

Clearly state the project goals and the specific challenges you addressed.
Detail your technical contributions and the design choices you made, explaining the rationale behind them.
Showcase relevant simulation results, layout examples (if applicable), and especially any silicon characterization data demonstrating the performance of your design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the technical and managerial aspects of the role. Sample questions are provided focusing on the IC design process, technical problem-solving, and cultural fit within an R&D environment. Specific guidance is given on how to effectively present technical projects and portfolio items for this type of role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Analog / Mixed Signal IC Design Manager position:

Submit your application through this link.
Prepare a detailed resume highlighting your extensive experience in Analog and Mixed-Signal IC design, specific process technologies, proficiency with Cadence tools, and your leadership experience. Use relevant ATS keywords throughout your document.
Assemble a technical portfolio or document outlining key past IC design projects. Focus on technical details, design processes, challenges overcome, and achieved performance metrics. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews.
Research HRL Laboratories, their work in integrated circuits, and their contributions to the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries to demonstrate your interest and alignment with their mission.
Prepare for technical interviews by reviewing core concepts in Analog and Mixed-Signal design and practicing articulating your design process and problem-solving approaches. Also, prepare to discuss your leadership style and experience managing technical teams.

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

Analog / Mixed Signal IC Design Manager - Integrated Circuit Design