Physical Design Engineer

Physical Design Engineer – ASIC/SoC Development | Senior-Level Position

We are seeking an experienced Physical Design Engineer with 10+ years of hands-on ASIC and SoC development experience to join our client's innovative team. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge System-on-Chip (SoC) projects across multiple emerging technologies, collaborating directly with customers and cross-functional teams to drive successful tape-outs from concept through completion. The ideal candidate will have extensive custom ASIC experience, strong technical communication skills, and a proven track record of multiple tape-outs in small company environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pre-layout static timing analysis (STA) for design feasibility assessment and timing constraint validation
• Execute chip-level and block-level floorplanning, including strategic pin assignment and power planning
• Conduct clock specification reviews and implement clock tree synthesis (CTS) optimization
• Lead placement and routing activities with comprehensive timing optimization and closure
• Manage physical design synthesis and timing convergence for complex ASIC designs
• Complete sign-off tasks including RC extraction, static timing analysis, IR-drop analysis, and physical verification (PV)
• Participate in customer meetings and deliver technical presentations on design progress and solutions
• Own physical design development from inception through tape-out across the full project lifecycle

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) with 10+ years of hands-on physical design experience; Master's degree (MSEE) strongly preferred
• Extensive experience in ASIC physical design and SoC development, particularly at advanced process nodes (28nm, 16nm, or smaller)
• Expert proficiency with physical design tools including ICC2 (IC Compiler II) and/or Cadence Innovus
• Strong scripting capabilities in Perl, Tcl, and/or Python for design automation
• Solid understanding of frontend design methodologies and hierarchical layout techniques
• Working knowledge of power analysis and IR-drop analysis tools such as PrimePower and/or Redhawk
• Proficiency with static timing analysis using Synopsys PrimeTime or equivalent tools
• Experience with physical verification tools and debugging complex PV errors (DRC, LVS, antenna violations)
• Proven track record of multiple successful tape-outs from project inception to completion
• Previous experience working in small company or startup environments preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to interface directly with customers
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for complex timing and physical design challenges
• Local candidates strongly preferred

Compensation

Annual Salary Range: $170,000 - $220,000 USD, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

Join a leading custom ASIC and SoC development company at the forefront of advanced semiconductor technology. This position offers:

• Exposure to a robust pipeline of innovative technology projects for industry-leading companies
• The opportunity to be a real contributor with significant individual impact and ownership
• Work on full project lifecycles from initial concept through successful tape-out
• Collaborative small team environment where your expertise directly influences project outcomes
• Hands-on technical work with cutting-edge process technologies and emerging applications
• Direct customer interaction and the chance to shape next-generation SoC solutions
• Professional growth working on complex, high-performance custom ASIC designs

Apply Today

If you are a seasoned Physical Design Engineer with deep ASIC/SoC expertise and a passion for challenging technical work, we want to hear from you. Qualified candidates with strong communication skills, custom design experience, and a track record of successful tape-outs are encouraged to apply immediately. Take the next step in your semiconductor career and join a team where your contributions truly matter.