6 Physical Design Engineer Job Description Templates and Examples

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Staff Physical Design Engineer to join our team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for leading the physical design efforts of complex integrated circuits (ICs), ensuring that they meet the stringent requirements for performance, power, and area.

Responsibilities

• Lead the physical design implementation for high-performance ASICs, including floorplanning, placement, clock tree synthesis, and routing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including architecture, RTL design, and verification, to define and refine design specifications.
• Utilize advanced EDA tools to optimize designs for performance, power, and area (PPA), addressing any critical design challenges.
• Conduct design reviews, ensuring adherence to best practices and industry standards, while mentoring junior engineers in physical design methodologies.
• Perform timing analysis, signal integrity analysis, and power analysis to guarantee design robustness and reliability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the physical design team to enhance productivity and design quality.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• 10+ years of experience in physical design of ASICs or SoCs, with a proven track record of successful tapeouts.
• Expertise in leading physical design flows using industry-standard EDA tools such as Cadence Innovus, Synopsys IC Compiler, or similar.
• In-depth knowledge of semiconductor physics and design methodologies, including DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFT (Design for Test).
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Tcl, Perl, Python) to automate design tasks and enhance workflows.

Preferred:

• Experience with advanced node technology (e.g., 7nm, 5nm) and familiarity with the challenges associated with leading-edge designs.
• Strong understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, and electromigration effects in physical design.
• Experience in leading teams and managing projects from conception to successful tapeout.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Extensive experience with physical design tools and methodologies for ASIC/SoC development.
• Strong background in timing closure techniques and optimization strategies.
• Familiarity with power management techniques and low-power design methodologies.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A collaborative mindset, with a passion for mentoring others and promoting a culture of innovation.

Benefits and Perks

Annual salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Additional benefits may include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Dynamic and inclusive work environment

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Location

This role requires successful candidates to be based in-person at our office located in [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Physical Design Engineer to join our cutting-edge team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this pivotal role, you will spearhead the physical design efforts for complex semiconductor products, driving innovations that enhance performance and power efficiency while ensuring manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of physical design engineers, instilling best practices and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Architect and implement high-performance physical design flows using advanced tools such as Cadence Innovus, Synopsys IC Compiler, and Mentor Graphics Calibre.
• Collaborate closely with RTL designers and verification teams to ensure seamless integration and optimization of designs for DFM, DFT, and low-power considerations.
• Conduct thorough reviews of design specifications, providing critical feedback to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Drive the implementation of advanced techniques such as clock tree synthesis (CTS), place and route optimization, and signal integrity analysis to achieve design goals.
• Oversee tape-out processes, ensuring that all design meets stringent industry standards and timelines.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in physical design and layout for complex ASICs or FPGAs.
• Proven expertise in using industry-standard EDA tools for physical design and verification.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes and design rules.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects from conceptualization to production.

Preferred:

• Experience with 7nm and 5nm technologies and knowledge of advanced packaging techniques.
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques for optimizing physical design processes.
• Active participation in industry standards organizations or technical committees.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Deep knowledge of physical design tools such as Cadence, Synopsys, and Mentor Graphics.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Tcl, Perl, or Python for automation of design flows.
• Proficiency in physical verification tools and methodologies to ensure compliance with design specifications.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Exceptional problem-solving skills with a strong analytical mindset.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• A proactive approach to leadership, with a focus on empowering team members and cultivating talent.

Benefits and Perks

We offer a comprehensive compensation package that includes a competitive salary and performance-based incentives. Additional benefits may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Generous paid time off and parental leave
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Location

This is a hybrid position, requiring candidates to work from our office in [$COMPANY_LOCATION] at least 3 days a week.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Physical Design Engineer to join our innovative team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this role, you will leverage your extensive experience in physical design methodologies to drive the development of cutting-edge semiconductor products. You will be responsible for leading the physical design process, ensuring optimal layout and performance while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the physical design flow from RTL to GDSII, ensuring high-quality layout that meets performance, area, and power specifications
• Implement advanced methodologies for place and route, including clock tree synthesis, DRC/LVS verification, and timing closure
• Collaborate with digital designers and verification engineers to resolve design issues and optimize designs for manufacturability
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on best practices in physical design
• Evaluate and introduce new tools and technologies to enhance the physical design process and improve efficiency
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure design for testability (DFT) and yield optimization

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in physical design for ASICs or FPGAs, with a proven track record of successful tape-outs
• Deep understanding of physical design tools such as Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics
• Strong knowledge of standard cell libraries, DRC/LVS checks, and timing analysis

Preferred:

• Experience with advanced nodes (7nm and below) and familiarity with FinFET technology
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Tcl, Python) for automation of design tasks
• Knowledge of EDA tool integration and flow optimization

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Expertise in physical design methodologies and flows, including synthesis, place and route, and timing closure
• Experience with static timing analysis (STA) and power analysis tools
• Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for test (DFT) techniques

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences
• A collaborative mindset, valuing teamwork and sharing knowledge across functions
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing project requirements

Benefits and Perks

Annual salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Additional benefits include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
• Collaborative and inclusive workplace culture

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Location

This role requires successful candidates to be based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are looking for a highly skilled Physical Design Engineer to join our innovative team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this role, you will be responsible for leading the physical design of complex semiconductor chips, ensuring that our designs meet stringent performance, power, and area targets. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to develop and optimize layouts, while applying your expertise in physical design methodologies to drive projects from conception to tape-out.

Responsibilities

• Lead the physical design of complex ASICs, including floorplanning, placement, and routing to meet specifications for timing, area, and power
• Utilize advanced EDA tools for static timing analysis, signal integrity, and power analysis to validate designs
• Work closely with architects and circuit designers to understand design specifications and constraints, providing feedback on design feasibility and optimization
• Develop and implement design methodologies and best practices to enhance productivity and quality
• Conduct design reviews and mentor junior engineers to foster their growth and development
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and yield optimization
• Stay current with industry trends and technologies to continuously improve design processes and tools

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in physical design for ASICs or FPGAs, with a strong grasp of design tools such as Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics
• Proven expertise in standard cell placement, routing, and clock tree synthesis
• Solid understanding of timing closure, signal integrity analysis, and power optimization techniques
• Experience with DFM and yield enhancement strategies

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced node technologies (e.g., 7nm, 5nm) and their associated design challenges
• Familiarity with RTL-to-GDSII flow and the complete ASIC design cycle
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as machine learning in design optimization

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Proficiency in physical design tools and methodologies
• Strong scripting skills in languages such as Tcl, Python, or Perl for automation
• Experience with parasitic extraction tools and methodologies
• Understanding of statistical timing analysis and variability

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to convey complex technical concepts
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with cross-functional teams
• Proactive attitude with a strong desire for continuous learning and improvement

Benefits and Perks

At [$COMPANY_NAME], we offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company matching
• Generous paid time off policy
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Location

This role requires successful candidates to be based in-person at our office located in [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

Note: We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification but are passionate about physical design and eager to learn to apply.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are looking for a motivated Junior Physical Design Engineer to join our talented team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the physical design of complex integrated circuits, working closely with senior engineers to gain hands-on experience in layout design and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the physical design flow, including floor planning, placement, and routing of integrated circuits
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design specifications are met
• Perform design rule checks (DRC) and layout versus schematic (LVS) verification
• Support the development of automation scripts to enhance design efficiency
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to the discussion of potential improvements

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Familiarity with physical design tools such as Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics
• Basic understanding of semiconductor physics and digital logic design
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferred:

• Internship or co-op experience in physical design or ASIC development
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as Tcl or Python
• Experience with EDA tools for simulation and analysis

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Proficiency in layout design tools and methodologies
• Understanding of design rule specifications and manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with timing analysis and optimization techniques

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation

Benefits and Perks

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and training

Location

This is a hybrid position, requiring in-office collaboration at our facility in [$COMPANY_LOCATION] at least 3 days a week.