CPU Physical Design Engineer, Staff
QualcommJob Title
CPU Physical Design Engineer, Staff
Role Summary
Join the Snapdragon CPU physical design team in Hyderabad to implement and optimize high-performance CPU blocks for advanced SoCs in sub-10nm technologies. The role focuses on RTL-to-GDSII implementation, PPA (performance, power, area) optimization, timing closure, and close collaboration with synthesis, STA, power and verification teams.
Experience Level
Senior - typically requires 7+ years of professional experience in ASIC physical design and high-performance CPU implementation.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities cover block-level physical implementation and delivery of PPA goals.
- Own and drive block-level physical design from RTL/netlist to GDSII.
- Perform place & route, timing closure, power optimization, physical verification, and signoff.
- Develop and optimize implementation methodologies, flows, and recipes to improve PPA.
- Create and execute experiments to evaluate implementation strategies and improve QoR.
- Analyze and track implementation metrics to guide design decisions.
- Collaborate with RTL design, synthesis, STA, power, thermal, and verification teams.
- Debug and resolve issues related to timing, power, congestion, and physical verification.
- Contribute to automation and flow enhancements using scripting.
Requirements
Key technical must-haves and additional preferred skills.
- Must-have: 7+ years of experience in ASIC physical design with strong RTL-to-GDSII implementation expertise.
- Proven experience with place & route, timing closure, power optimization, and signoff flows.
- Strong debugging and problem-solving skills for timing, power, and physical verification issues.
- Proficiency with scripting for automation (Tcl, Python, Perl).
Nice-to-have:
- Hands-on experience with Cadence Innovus and/or Synopsys Fusion Compiler.
- Experience with STA tools (PrimeTime, Tempus) and SDC constraint generation and debugging.
- Experience with multi-power-domain designs and UPF/CPF implementation.
- Knowledge of low-power design techniques, IR/EM analysis, signal/power integrity.
- Experience on advanced process nodes (7nm and below) and high-frequency CPU implementations.
- Familiarity with formal verification tools (Formality, Conformal) and Verilog.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering field are listed as acceptable academic backgrounds.
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.
