Clocking / Physical Design Engineer

Job Title

Clocking / Physical Design Engineer

Role Summary

Join a physical design team responsible for clocking architecture, clock distribution networks, and physical implementation of CPU cores on advanced process nodes. The role supports RTL-to-GDS implementation and cross-functional collaboration with logic, circuit, architecture, and design automation teams.

This position requires on-site presence in Austin, TX.

Experience Level

Mid-level — typical experience: 3+ years (see Education Requirements for degree and exact experience guidance).

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include implementation, analysis, verification, and improving physical design flows and automation:

• Support physical design implementation from RTL through GDS (synthesis, place-and-route, floorplanning).
• Lead or participate in clock tree synthesis and clock distribution network design.
• Perform static timing analysis and support timing-closure activities.
• Assist with power, clock distribution, reliability, and power-integrity analysis.
• Support physical design verification and signoff (layout verification, electrical rule checking).
• Analyze design results and collaborate with logic, circuit, architecture, and design-automation teams to resolve issues.
• Contribute to improvements in physical design flows, methodologies, and automation.
• Use EDA tools and scripting to improve design and workflow efficiency.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience:

• Backend design and/or integration experience on leading-edge process nodes.
• Proficiency with scripting languages such as Perl, TCL, or equivalent for automation.
• Experience in high-frequency clock distribution design, clock tree synthesis, and custom clock-related circuits.
• Familiarity with static timing analysis and timing-closure processes and EDA tools.

Nice-to-have:

• Knowledge of computer architecture.
• IA-32 assembly and/or Verilog programming experience.
• Validation, silicon bring-up, or testing experience within a silicon design team.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related STEM field with 3+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree in the same fields with 1+ year of relevant experience. Qualifications may be met via a combination of formal education, coursework, research, internships, or equivalent practical experience.

About the Company

Company: Intel Corporation

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA

Intel Corporation is a leading multinational technology company known for its innovative semiconductor solutions, including microprocessors, artificial intelligence accelerators, and memory products. Headquartered in the United States, Intel focuses on cutting-edge technology and a collaborative working environment, driving advancements in semiconductor manufacturing to meet global demands. The company emphasizes professional development and aims to shape the future of technology through groundbreaking designs.