Layout Engineer

Job Title

Layout Engineer

Role Summary

Work on layout development of Arm custom standard cells for sub-3nm process nodes within the Solutions Engineering Physical IP team. Deliver high-performance, area-optimized, DRC-clean logic libraries used in infrastructure, client, automotive, and IoT products.

The role partners with circuit designers, automation, and QA teams to produce validated physical views and signoff-quality cell libraries.

Experience Level

Entry-level - 1 to 3 years of relevant custom standard cell layout experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Design and optimize logic standard cell layouts (inverters, muxes, flops, complex gates) for power, performance, and area.
• Collaborate with circuit designers to translate schematics into compact, manufacturable layouts.
• Drive DRC and LVS closure and perform layout debugging and root-cause analysis.
• Support library validation flows and QA using industry verification tools.
• Handle cell abutment, profiling, integration constraints, and pin accessibility.
• Address layout-dependent effects, multi-patterning/EUV compliance, and advanced node requirements.
• Maintain physical views (LEF, GDS, abstracts) for digital integration and signoff package delivery.
• Automate layout QA and verification tasks using scripting and PDK-driven checks.
• Document design changes, verification results, and participate in library audits and delivery cycles.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience:

• 1–3 years of custom layout experience in logic standard cell development.
• Experience at advanced nodes (5nm, 3nm, or 2nm) with FinFET/GAA technologies.
• Proficiency with Cadence Virtuoso and industry verification tools (e.g., Calibre).
• Deep understanding of DRC rules, LVS methodologies, and multi-patterning constraints.
• Experience optimizing cells for power, performance, and area; strong pin-accessibility and cell-architecture knowledge.
• Scripting experience for automation (Python, PERL, SKILL, TCL) and familiarity with version control/configuration management.
• Ability to use AI tools and automation to improve productivity and solution quality.
• Strong documentation and cross-functional communication skills.
• Maintain awareness of best practices for standard cell layout and advanced node requirements.

Nice-to-have:

• Exposure to physical design implementation flow.

Education Requirements

Not specified.

About the Company

Company: Arm

Headquarters: Cambridge, United Kingdom

ARM is a global leader in semiconductor and software design, driving innovation in computing technology. The company specializes in designing processors and systems that provide the essential building blocks for electronic devices. ARM's architecture is widely used in smartphones, servers, and IoT devices, and its collaborative culture fosters bold thinking, diversity, and high-impact benefits for its talented workforce.