Design Implementation - Synthesis Principal Engineer
QualcommJob Title
Design Implementation - Synthesis Principal Engineer
Role Summary
Senior engineering role responsible for synthesis implementation of complex ASIC/SoC blocks. The role leads development and optimization of synthesis flows, power-aware multi-voltage designs, timing-closure activities, and formal equivalence checks in collaboration with RTL, physical implementation, and verification teams.
Experience Level
Senior level. The posting indicates very senior experience (notably an 18+ year reference) and provides degree-based minimums: typically multiyear industry experience is expected; see Education Requirements for degree/experience combinations.
Responsibilities
Core responsibilities include implementation, verification, automation, and cross-team coordination.
- Develop, maintain and optimize synthesis flows using Synopsys Design Compiler/DCG/DC_NXT/Fusion Compiler and/or Cadence RC/Genus.
- Implement and validate multi-voltage and power-aware synthesis flows, including UPF flows for low-power designs.
- Create and debug timing constraints; drive timing-closure activities with RTL and back-end teams.
- Perform formal equivalence checking using Cadence LEC or Synopsys Formality and resolve mismatches.
- Automate flows and tooling using Perl/TCL scripting and makefile-based build flows.
- Mentor engineers, collaborate across teams, and drive designs from implementation through commercialization.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience; nice-to-have items noted.
- Proven expertise in synthesis tools and flows (Synopsys and/or Cadence) and practical experience shipping silicon or large ASIC/SoC designs.
- Strong experience with low-power design techniques and multi-voltage/UPF methodologies.
- Experience with formal equivalence checking and debugging (LEC/Formality).
- Proficient in writing and debugging timing constraints for complex designs.
- Scripting and automation skills (Perl and/or TCL); familiarity with makefile flows.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; demonstrated ability to drive engineering work to production.
- Nice-to-have: experience with RTL integration or RTL design work.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering or a related technical field. The posting lists degree-plus-experience combinations: Bachelor's + ~8 years, Master's + ~7 years, or PhD + ~6 years of relevant hardware engineering experience (i.e., degree plus multi-year industry experience as an alternative to higher years). No specific certifications required.
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.
