ASIC DTCO, Timing and Technology Engineer
QualcommJob Title
ASIC DTCO, Timing and Technology Engineer
Role Summary
Join Qualcomm's ASICs Engineering team in San Diego to perform Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) and timing work across Mobile, Compute, Automotive, and IoT products. The role focuses on PPA analysis, timing sign-off, Spice-based validation, and enabling advanced process nodes from 5nm down to 2nm and beyond.
Experience Level
Mid-level. Typical experience expectations depend on degree: approximately 3–4+ years (see Education Requirements for degree-specific guidance).
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include block- and system-level DTCO and timing activities, validation using circuit simulation, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize frequency and cost.
- Perform DTCO analysis at block/IP and system level for SoC products targeting advanced nodes (5nm–2nm+).
- Run Spice simulations for power and performance validation and support STA sign-off.
- Execute block-level PPA analysis and implementation from RTL to GDS for hard macros.
- Collaborate with foundry DTCO teams, EDA vendors, CAD teams, and IP owners to drive Fmax optimization and cost reduction.
- Improve design convergence flows and support Bring-Up of new process technologies from PDK to VLSI design.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and domain experience; nice-to-have items listed separately.
- Proven experience conducting DTCO and timing analysis on advanced process nodes (5nm–2nm+).
- Hands-on experience with Spice simulation tools (examples: Hspice, Finesim, PrimeSim, AFS, Spectre).
- Experience with static timing analysis (STA) and sign-off methodologies.
- Programming and scripting proficiency: Python, Perl, TCL, Unix shell; C/C++ experience a plus.
- Experience in block-level PPA analysis and RTL-to-GDS implementation for hard macros.
- Familiarity with synthesis and place-and-route toolflows (Genus, Innovus, FC synthesis / FC place-and-route).
- Strong collaboration skills with foundry, EDA, CAD, and IP teams to resolve timing and manufacturability issues.
- Nice-to-have: familiarity with machine-learning modeling applied to design optimization.
Education Requirements
Degree-based options in Science, Engineering, or a related technical field: Bachelor's degree with 4+ years relevant experience; Master's degree with 3+ years relevant experience; PhD with 2+ years relevant experience.
About the Company
Company: Qualcomm
Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States
Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.
