E-core CPU Physical Design Engineer

Job Title

E-core CPU Physical Design Engineer

Role Summary

Participate in the physical implementation of Intel Atom (E-core) CPU core blocks from synthesis through post-layout verification and tapeout. Drive synthesis and Auto-Place-and-Route (APR) constraints to meet aggressive timing and power targets while collaborating with micro-architecture, RTL, and circuit teams.

Experience Level

Senior — minimum 7 years of relevant experience; 9+ years preferred.

Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities include:

• Logic synthesis and place-and-route for core IP blocks.
• Floor-planning, routing studies, and block implementation.
• Block/sub-system level timing analysis and timing closure.
• Apply low-power techniques and optimize power at the sub-system level.
• Perform physical verification closure (DRC/LVS, IR, EM checks).
• Develop scripts and recipes for data analysis and automation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to converge design to project targets.
• Work effectively under aggressive schedules and independently when required.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience:

• Experience in CPU physical design and timing verification.
• Proficiency with synthesis/APR flows for multi-voltage, high-frequency designs, including custom polygon editing.
• Tcl scripting for automation and data analysis.
• Experience with noise, cross-talk, and on-chip variation (OCV) analysis.
• Floor planning, physical design, and timing closure at block/sub-system level.
• Familiarity with formal equivalence checks, DRC/LVS, IR and electromigration analysis.
• Preferred: experience with Fusion Compiler, DCT, DCE, ICC2, RedHawk, ICV, Conformal, Calibre, PrimeTime, StarRCXT; Cadence tool experience is a plus.

Education Requirements

Must have a BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.

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.