NPU Physical Design Engineer
QualcommJob Title
NPU Physical Design Engineer
Role Summary
Responsible for physical implementation of Hexagon NPU blocks, including floorplanning, placement, clock tree synthesis (CTS), routing, timing signoff, and power/low-power verification on advanced process nodes. Works within the Hardware Engineering team to deliver tapeout-ready layouts and close signoff.
Focus is on practical PNR execution, signoff readiness, and performance/power optimization across cross-functional teams.
Experience Level
Mid-level. Typically requires 3+ years of hands-on PNR/physical design experience on advanced process nodes.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include:
- Take full ownership of PNR implementation for Hexagon NPU: floorplanning, placement, CTS, routing, post-route optimization.
- Perform timing signoff activities (STA), power analysis, and low-power verification; drive signoff closure.
- Optimize placement/CTS and implement signoff-domain strategies (LEC/CLP/PDN considerations).
- Execute and tune flows on advanced nodes (e.g., 4nm/5nm/7nm/10nm) to meet performance and area targets.
- Develop and maintain Unix/Linux scripts (Perl, TCL) to automate flow tasks.
- Diagnose and resolve complex PNR and signoff issues and coordinate fixes with verification and design teams.
Requirements
Must-have skills and experience:
- 3+ years of hands-on experience with PNR flows on advanced technology nodes.
- Proven expertise in floorplanning, placement, CTS, routing, and STA flows.
- Signoff experience including STA, power analysis, functional verification (FV), and low-power verification (PV); signoff knowledge is mandatory.
- Proficiency with Unix/Linux and scripting (Perl, TCL) for automation and flow support.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and learn quickly.
Nice-to-have:
- Experience implementing accelerator/NPU blocks (e.g., Hexagon) or similar complex SoC blocks.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or a related field with 4+ years of hardware engineering experience; or a Master's degree in those fields with 3+ years; or a PhD with 2+ years. Equivalent practical experience is acceptable where indicated.
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.
