CPU Clock Design Lead

Job Title

CPU Clock Design Lead

Role Summary

Lead the design and optimization of clock distribution networks for high-performance CPUs and SoCs. You will own clock architecture, clock tree synthesis methodologies, timing closure activities, and collaborate with architecture, design, physical implementation, validation, and EDA teams.

Position contributes to product performance, power efficiency, and scalability through technical leadership and delivery of robust clocking solutions.

Experience Level

Senior-level. Typical experience expectations: Bachelor's in Electrical/Electronics or relevant field with 6+ years, Master's with 4+ years, or PhD with 2+ years in the domain.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include technical ownership of clocking for CPU/SoC products and driving solutions across the implementation flow.

• Design, implement, and optimize clock distribution networks for high-performance CPU and SoC products.
• Define clock architecture and develop clock tree synthesis (CTS) methodologies.
• Perform timing analysis and support timing closure across complex designs.
• Develop custom circuits, library cells, and clock-related design solutions.
• Analyze performance, power, area, and timing tradeoffs to improve product efficiency.
• Create automation and tooling using scripting/programming to increase design productivity.
• Collaborate with architecture, physical implementation, validation, and EDA partners to resolve issues.
• Support debug, validation, and optimization through the product lifecycle and drive technical issues to closure.
• Influence future methodologies, design flows, and clocking technologies.

Requirements

Technical must-haves for immediate contribution and leadership in CPU clocking.

• Proficiency in clock tree synthesis (CTS) techniques and methodologies using Synopsys and Cadence platforms.
• Extensive experience in timing signoff and formal verification flows.
• Experience with low-power design techniques relevant to clocking.
• Strong understanding of submicron process node technologies and layout verification methods (LVS/DRC).
• Hands-on experience with physical design implementation related to clock networks.
• Ability to develop automation/scripts to improve design productivity.

Nice-to-have:

• Track record of driving technical deliverables and mentoring engineers.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical skills, and clear communication with cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability to learn new tools and methodologies; ability to balance multiple priorities.

Education Requirements

Degree required: Bachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or a relevant field with 6+ years' hands-on physical design experience; OR Master's in Electrical, Electronics, or relevant field with 4+ years' experience; OR PhD in a relevant field with at least 2 years' experience. "Relevant field" includes electrical/electronics engineering or comparable technical degrees.

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.