Digital Physical Design (P&R) Intern

Job Title

Digital Physical Design (P&R) Intern

Role Summary

Support the digital backend team in implementing, validating, and improving the digital backend flow (synthesis → place & route → GDSII) using Cadence tools. The role focuses on running experiments, analyzing results, and proposing script and flow improvements to enhance area, quality, and efficiency.

Experience Level

Entry-level internship (student intern). Appropriate for current graduate students; typical internship experience 0–1 years.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Execute and validate the digital backend flow (synthesis to GDSII) using the Cadence toolchain under mentorship.
• Perform multiple parallel runs to compare RTL implementations and tool options to find area-optimal solutions.
• Analyze tool outputs, debug backend issues, and document findings and recommendations.
• Study Cadence tool documentation and forum resources to identify improvements to existing flows and scripts.

Requirements

Key requirements and expectations:

• Must be able to relocate to the Phoenix metro area for the internship and be present in NXP's Chandler office at least three full days per week.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a team.
• Good planning, organizing, and communication skills.
• Nice-to-have: prior exposure to digital backend flow (synthesis / P&R / GDSII) and familiarity with Cadence tools and scripting.

Education Requirements

Pursuing a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) with the majority of coursework relevant to Digital Design, RTL, and digital backend flow.

About the Company

Company: NXP Semiconductors

Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands

NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.