Frame Design Engineer - Tapeout Operations (3pm-12am shift)

Job Title

Frame Design Engineer - Tapeout Operations (3pm-12am shift)

Role Summary

Support Global Tapeout and Mask Organization activities by producing frame designs and driving tapeout operations for multiple technologies. Work with cross-functional teams (FAB, Application Engineering, Product Engineering, Design Enablement, Mask Houses) to ensure timely, high-quality tapeout delivery and continuous process improvement.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Role typically requires practical industry experience (see Education Requirements for accepted experience/degree combinations).

Responsibilities

Primary operational and improvement responsibilities for tapeout/frame design and hand-off.

• Produce frame structures and generate frame layouts for chip tapeouts; manage ad-hoc changes and prioritize work queues across locations.
• Create and maintain input files that drive automation for fabs and mask houses; use or customize internal and commercial tools to improve productivity.
• Make operational decisions to hold, escalate, promote, or reject tapeout issues in coordination with FAB and Tapeout Logistics Integration.
• Coordinate with Application Engineering, Product Engineering, Release, and Design Enablement to deliver a consistent customer tapeout experience.
• Collaborate with FAB and TD teams to reduce cycle time, lower cost, and improve efficiency.
• Assess team processes, recommend continuous improvements and automation opportunities, and ensure documentation and failure-mode mitigations are in place.
• Perform tasks following Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and support assigned shift schedules and coverage.

Requirements

Must-have and desirable skills for effective performance in tapeout/frame design operations.

• Must-have: Working knowledge of Unix shells and willingness to learn domain-specific scripting and data formats; strong written and verbal English communication; analytical problem solving and decision-making; ability to work the evening shift (3pm–12am) and support weekend/holiday coverage on assigned dates; experience collaborating with cross-geographic teams and semiconductor manufacturing/tool environments (lithography, metrology, test).
• Nice-to-have: Experience with Cadence Mask Compose; familiarity with Virtuoso environment and SKILL programming; device layout knowledge; experience generating automation input files and applying structured problem-solving or FMEA methods.

Education Requirements

Master's degree in a related field OR Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Electronics & Communication with 1+ years of industry experience OR an engineering diploma with 2+ years of relevant industry experience.

About the Company

Company: GlobalFoundries

Headquarters: Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

GlobalFoundries is a leading contract manufacturer for the global semiconductor industry, with facilities in multiple countries, including the USA. The company develops a broad portfolio of semiconductor technologies and employs around 13,000 people worldwide. GlobalFoundries focuses on enhancing competitiveness in specialized application solutions and fostering innovation in mobile communications, consumer electronics, and automotive applications.