NPU Physical Design Engineer (Lead/Staff/Sr Staff)
QualcommJob Title
NPU Physical Design Engineer (Lead/Staff/Sr Staff)
Role Summary
Responsible for full PNR implementation and signoff for Qualcomm Hexagon NPU blocks on advanced process nodes. Execute floorplanning, placement, CTS, optimization and signoff to meet performance, power, and manufacturability targets.
Work within the hardware/physical design team and collaborate with verification, layout and power teams to deliver tapeout-ready silicon.
Experience Level
Senior - role targets experienced physical design engineers; candidates typically have 6+ years of relevant PNR/physical-design experience.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include ownership of PNR implementation and signoff deliverables.
- Lead PNR implementation: floorplanning, placement, CTS, routing, and post-route optimization.
- Perform static timing analysis (STA), power analysis, and other signoff activities.
- Address signoff domains such as LEC, CLP, PDN, and low-power verification.
- Develop and maintain Unix/Linux scripting and flows (Perl, TCL).
- Troubleshoot timing, congestion, and physical-design issues on advanced nodes (e.g., 4nm/5nm/7nm/10nm).
- Coordinate with verification, layout, and power teams to meet design objectives.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience.
- 6+ years of hands-on experience with PNR/physical implementation flows on advanced process nodes.
- Proven experience in floorplanning, placement, CTS, and post-route optimization.
- Strong signoff experience: STA, power analysis, formal/functional verification, and low-power verification.
- Familiarity with signoff domains such as LEC, CLP, and PDN.
- Good Unix/Linux skills and scripting experience (Perl, TCL).
- Analytical problem-solving skills and ability to learn quickly.
Nice-to-have: experience with Hexagon NPU or complex SoC physical design.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or a related field plus 4+ years' hardware engineering experience; OR Master's degree in those fields plus 3+ years' experience; OR PhD plus 2+ years' experience. Equivalent practical experience is indicated by the alternative experience pathways.
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.
