Staff Physical Design Engineer
Our client is a leader in next-generation digital connectivity, enabling high-performance data communication across the most demanding industries—ranging from AI and the metaverse to data centers, 5G infrastructure, and autonomous vehicles. They deliver mission-critical IP through innovative engineering and a proven execution track record.
As a Staff Physical Design Engineer, you’ll take ownership of implementing, optimizing, and verifying complex digital designs at the physical level. You’ll work alongside front-end designers, DFT engineers, and verification teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality silicon. This role focuses on advanced-node physical implementation—floor planning, PnR, CTS, timing closure, and sign-off verification.
What You’ll Do
Drive all stages of physical design including floor planning, placement, CTS, routing, and optimization for high-speed digital blocks.
Own timing closure strategies, including skew balancing, delay optimization, and ECO implementation.
Perform signal/power integrity analysis including IR drop and electromigration.
Apply OPC litho shrink methodologies at advanced nodes such as TSMC N4P.
Optimize designs for area and power using Multi-Vt, clock gating, and power-aware synthesis.
Conduct physical verification (LVS, DRC, DFM) to meet foundry sign-off requirements.
Collaborate across design, DFT, verification, and process teams to resolve implementation or manufacturability issues.
Build and maintain automation scripts (TCL, Python, Perl) to streamline flows and improve efficiency.
What You’ll Need
5+ years of experience in physical design for digital ASICs.
Hands-on experience with advanced nodes (TSMC N5/N4P/N3 or similar).
Proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools: Synopsys ICC2, Cadence Innovus, Calibre, PrimeTime, RedHawk, etc.
Deep understanding of PnR, CTS, STA, IR/EM analysis, and power optimization techniques.
Experience with OPC shrink flows and advanced node methodologies.
Familiarity with DFT techniques such as scan insertion, ATPG, or BIST is a plus.
Experience with multi-patterning (LELE, SAQP) and full signoff verification (DRC, LVS, DFM, EM/IR, PEX).
Strong scripting capabilities in TCL, Python, or Perl.
Analytical mindset with a data-driven approach to debugging and problem-solving.
Preferred Direct experience with FinFET technologies such as TSMC N5/N4/N4P/N3.
Please reach out to nick.weiszhaar@talentlab.com with your resume if you're a fit for the position and interested in learning more.
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