Director – PDK Architecture

Job Title

Director – PDK Architecture

Role Summary

Lead the PDK Architecture team to define, specify, and deliver Intel's Process Design Kits (PDKs) for leading-edge technology nodes. Act as the technical bridge between Technology Development, PDK Development, and EDA partners to ensure technology requirements become scalable, high-quality, customer-ready PDK solutions.

The role requires technical direction, cross-functional leadership, and program execution to enable predictable PDK deliveries for internal and external customers.

Experience Level

Senior — requires significant leadership experience. The posting specifies 10+ years in semiconductor technology development, design enablement, EDA, PDK development, CAD, DTCO, or related fields.

Responsibilities

Lead technical definition, architecture, and governance of PDKs; drive cross-functional alignment and readiness for PDK execution.

• Define PDK scope, content, and specification methodology; ensure deliverables map to technology requirements and design enablement needs.
• Interface with Technology Development to lock down inputs (modeling, design rules, performance targets) and manage technology readiness assessments.
• Make technical architecture and implementation decisions for PDKs and define standards and repeatable processes to accelerate development.
• Develop capability roadmaps and ensure PDK commitments align with technology and customer requirements.
• Lead specification sign-off, quality, completeness, and traceability across Technology Development, PDK Development, and Design Enablement teams.
• Define and execute PDK architectures for 3DIC and advanced packaging; support chiplet, SiP, and heterogeneous integration strategies.
• Establish machine-readable and automation-friendly specification frameworks, including AI-enabled workflows where appropriate.
• Lead and influence globally distributed teams; partner with program management to deliver PDKs on schedule.
• Lead executive reviews to identify and resolve readiness gaps before they impact schedules.

Requirements

Must-have technical background, leadership, and program execution skills. Education requirements are summarized separately below.

• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor technology development, design enablement, EDA, PDK development, CAD, DTCO, or closely related fields.
• Proven technical leadership and experience managing cross-functional and globally distributed teams.
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills.
• Experience defining specifications, governance, and quality processes for complex engineering deliverables.
• Experience evaluating new process features, design enablement requirements, and ecosystem impact prior to execution.
• Demonstrated program execution skills and experience driving standardization and quality improvements at scale.
• Must be able to consent to and pass an extended background investigation as this role is a Position of Trust.

Nice-to-have:

• Foundry PDK development and release experience; familiarity with design rules, extraction, modeling, physical verification, APR flows, and validation methodologies.
• Experience working with EDA partners (for example Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens).
• Knowledge of specification systems, automation frameworks, and AI-assisted workflows.

Education Requirements

MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline (specified as minimum qualifications).

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.