CPU Core Physical Design Engineer
Intel CorporationJob Title
CPU Core Physical Design Engineer
Role Summary
Join the US CPU design team to implement and optimize custom CPU physical designs from RTL to GDS. Work across synthesis, place-and-route, timing, power, and signoff to deliver manufacturable, high-performance, low-power CPU blocks.
The role collaborates with logic, circuit, architecture, and EDA tool teams to improve microarchitecture outcomes and enhance physical design methodologies and automation.
Experience Level
Mid-level. Candidates typically have early-career industry experience (minimum practical experience expectations listed in Education Requirements).
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include end-to-end CPU physical design and verification for high-speed, low-power processors.
- Perform physical implementation from RTL to GDS: synthesis, floorplanning, place-and-route, CTS, and routing.
- Execute static timing analysis, timing closure, power and noise analysis, and reliability verification.
- Lead verification and signoff activities: formal equivalence, layout vs. schematic, electrical rule checking, and structural checks.
- Analyze implementation results and recommend microarchitecture and design changes to improve power, frequency, and area.
- Collaborate with EDA vendors to enhance tools and automation for CPU design flows.
- Participate in developing and improving physical design methodologies and flow automation.
Requirements
Must-have technical experience and skills. Preferred items are listed separately.
- Experience with VLSI circuit design and synthesis (practical experience expected).
- Experience in static timing analysis and timing closure methodologies.
- Experience in low-power design and multi-power-domain analysis.
- Knowledge of physical clock design, power/clock distribution, and reliability concerns for CPUs.
- Familiarity with signoff flows: power integrity, signal/power noise, and layout verification.
- Strong problem-solving skills and tolerance for ambiguity.
- Preferred: scripting experience (Tcl, Perl, Python) and familiarity with x86 CPU architecture.
Education Requirements
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or another STEM field with 2+ years of relevant experience; OR a Master's degree in those fields with 1+ year of relevant experience. The posting does not specify alternative equivalency language beyond these degree-and-experience combinations.
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.
