Physical Design Engineer

Role Overview

We are seeking a Physical Design Engineer with a strong foundation in Static Timing Analysis (STA) and a focus on design flow automation. In this role, you will be responsible for driving timing closure across complex, sub-nanometer process nodes while leveraging next-generation development tools. You will play a key role in developing, optimizing, and automating physical design workflows using Tcl and Python, incorporating AI-assisted development tools like GitHub Copilot to accelerate script delivery and engineering efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Static Timing Analysis (STA): Execute timing signoff, constraint validation, multi-corner multi-mode (MCMM) analysis, and timing closure across all phases of physical implementation.
• Flow Automation & Scripting: Write, maintain, and enhance robust automated scripts using Tcl and Python to streamline EDA tool flows (place & route, synthesis, signoff).
• AI-Assisted Development: Utilize Copilot-assisted development tools to rapidly build, refactor, and test flow automation scripts, optimizing operational productivity.
• Timing & Power Optimization: Analyze setup/hold violations, crosstalk, IR drop, and clock path issues, collaborating closely with RTL and synthesis teams to achieve optimal PPA (Power, Performance, Area).
• Process Improvement: Standardize scripting frameworks, build continuous regression tests for physical design tools, and document automated methodologies for the broader team.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Microelectronics, or a related field.
• Core STA Expertise: In-depth understanding of Static Timing Analysis principles, timing constraints (SDC), clock jitter, skew, cross-talk noise, and signoff methodologies using industry tools (e.g., Synopsys PrimeTime or Cadence Tempus).
• Scripting Proficiency: Strong hands-on coding ability in Tcl (for EDA tool integration) and Python (for data processing and workflow automation).
• Modern Development Tooling: Direct experience or strong familiarity with Copilot-assisted coding/script development tools (or LLM-driven coding tools) to write, debug, and optimize scripts efficiently.
• VLSI Fundamentals: Sound understanding of digital CMOS logic, place and route (PnR) flow fundamentals, and physical verification concepts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with automated tool API integrations (e.g., Synopsys ICC2/Fusion Compiler, Cadence Innovus APIs).
• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines or automated regression frameworks for hardware design flows.
• Background in Git or modern version control systems for managing Tcl/Python script repositories.