Preethi Ashwath is a Senior Analog Design Engineer at Analog Devices, Inc., based in the Boston area, where she works on mixed-signal IC design for the consumer electronics domain.
She holds an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and graduated with multiple gold medals from Visvesvaraya Technological University. She also serves as a reviewer for IEEE flagship conferences such as ISCAS and MWSCAS and was selected as a technical presenter for Analog Devices at CES 2025.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
My path into analog and mixed-signal design was intentional, although the exact opportunities evolved over time. I developed an early interest in circuit design during 10th grade, when a physics tutor introduced me to electronics. That experience led me to pursue engineering and later a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering at UC Irvine.
From there, I began my career at Intel, working on mixed-signal systems, and later transitioned to Analog Devices to focus more deeply on analog design. While I had a clear direction, working on real-world systems that power consumer electronics developed through experience.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
Analog and mixed-signal design involves roles such as circuit designers, system architects, and validation engineers. These roles work together to ensure that electronic systems can interact reliably with real-world signals.
I chose this field because analog design is fundamental to all electronic systems. Even in modern AI-driven devices, analog front-ends are critical for enabling efficient, low-power operation. That combination of fundamentals and real-world impact is what drew me to this area.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
There was a period in my life when a close family member was unwell, and I had to balance family responsibilities, personal well-being, and a demanding full-time role. Coming through that phase and, within a year, receiving an award at work was a meaningful moment for me. It made me realize the importance of perseverance and resilience.
What does an average work day look like for you?
My work typically involves a mix of circuit design, simulation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. I work closely with ESD advisors, layout designers, and other engineering teams to ensure designs meet performance and power requirements. The work is highly iterative, and no two days are exactly the same.
Are there any specific skills or traits that you notice companies look for when you’re searching for roles in your field?
Strong fundamentals in circuit theory are essential, along with problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Beyond technical expertise, the ability to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly is increasingly important as systems become more complex.
Has anyone ever tried to stop you from learning and developing in your professional life, or have you found the tech sector supportive?
I’ve been fortunate to find the right people at the right moments. I’ve realized that I benefit more from one-on-one conversations with senior leaders than large networking settings.
At one point, a senior leader pointed out that while I was doing strong work, I needed more visibility. He encouraged me to present on larger platforms. When I later expressed interest in representing Analog Devices at CES, he supported that opportunity.
That experience taught me an important lesson: mentors guide you, but sponsors actively open doors.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
Analog design is a field where there is always more to learn. You may master one concept and immediately encounter another challenge. That constant learning curve can feel overwhelming at times.
Over time, I’ve learned to see that as part of the process. Staying grounded in fundamentals and approaching problems step by step helps manage that uncertainty.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
Focus on building a strong foundation and take things one step at a time. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by how much there is to learn, but progress comes from consistently applying fundamentals. Over time, that builds confidence.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
Focus on developing strong technical skills and don’t hesitate to take on challenges—but measure progress on your own terms. Everyone’s situation is different, and you understand your own circumstances better than anyone else.
There will be times when you can take on more, and times when you need to step back. Being aware of that and being kind to yourself while navigating those phases is just as important as professional growth.
