Low Power Design Engineer (NPU) - Sr Lead
QualcommJob Title
Low Power Design Engineer (NPU) - Sr Lead
Role Summary
Senior engineering role focused on low-power intent, analysis and optimization for DSP/NPU IPs. The role drives UPF-based power intent development, validation at RTL and gate levels, and dynamic/leakage power projection and tracking through implementation.
Experience Level
Senior. See Education Requirements for the formal experience-by-degree options (examples: Bachelor's +3 years, Master's +2 years, PhD +1 year).
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include developing and validating power intent, performing power analysis, and collaborating with implementation teams to meet power targets.
- Create power specifications for DSP/NPU IPs from design requirements.
- Develop UPF-based power intent for IPs and update as designs evolve.
- Validate power intent at RTL and gate levels (synthesis, PD) using CLP.
- Debug and fix power-intent issues identified by power analysis and verification teams.
- Analyze dynamic and leakage power early in the project and project power across implementation stages.
- Generate and track power numbers using PTPX through the implementation flow.
- Identify power mismatches versus targets and coordinate fixes with synthesis and PD teams.
- Work with cross-functional teams (SoC, subsystem, synthesis, PD) for power-intent handoff and verification.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience for hands-on low-power implementation and analysis.
- Hands-on experience writing UPF for blocks/SoC with complex power crossings.
- Experience validating power intent using CLP at RTL and gate levels.
- Power analysis experience using PTPX or equivalent tools.
- Understanding of MV-cell issues (isolation, level shifter, retention) and how they affect synthesis and UPF.
- Knowledge of dynamic and leakage power optimization techniques during RTL development and physical implementation.
- Experience correlating Pre‑Si and Post‑Si power measurements and addressing mismatches.
- Automation/scripting skills (TCL and/or Perl) for flow integration and regressions.
- Effective communication and cross-team collaboration skills.
Education Requirements
One of the following: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering or related field with 3+ years of hardware engineering experience; OR Master's degree in those fields with 2+ years of hardware engineering experience; OR PhD in those fields with 1+ year of hardware engineering experience.
About the Company
Company: Qualcomm
Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States
Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.
