Physical Design Engineer
MicrosoftJob Title
Physical Design Engineer
Role Summary
Implement and optimize physical design for ASIC/SoC partitions supporting Microsoft's cloud hardware. Work across teams to deliver implementations from synthesis through place-and-route and signoff, focusing on power, performance, area, timing, and manufacturability.
Experience Level
Entry-level / Early career. Typical minimum technical experience: 1–2+ years depending on degree; preferred candidates may have 3–5+ years.
Responsibilities
Execute and lead physical design tasks for block and sub-chip levels and contribute to flow and methodology improvements.
- Lead partition floorplanning and implementation to meet PPA targets.
- Perform synthesis, placement, optimization, routing, and clock tree synthesis (CTS).
- Run static timing analysis (STA), physical verification, formal equivalence, and signoff flows (timing, EM/IR).
- Conduct power optimization and IR-drop / electromigration analysis.
- Evaluate technology nodes, IP selection, EDA tools, and vendor solutions.
- Develop and automate physical design flows and methodologies.
- Report status, risks, and mitigation plans to management; support program needs and occasional travel.
Requirements
Key required skills, experience, and conditions for the role.
- Practical experience across the full physical implementation flow: floorplanning, synthesis, placement, CTS, routing, STA, and physical verification.
- Experience with power optimization, IR-drop and electromigration analysis, and formal equivalence flows.
- Familiarity with EDA tools and ability to evaluate and recommend tools and IP.
- Ability to develop and improve automation and methodology for physical design flows.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to operate with minimal supervision.
- Ability to provide clear status updates and to manage risks and mitigation plans.
- Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 25%).
- Must pass Microsoft Cloud Background Check and meet export-control eligibility; successful hire must provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident/protected status as required for access to export-controlled information.
Education Requirements
Required: Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with the experience levels stated in the posting (e.g., Master's +1 year or Bachelor's +2 years) - OR equivalent practical experience. Preferred: Doctorate in EE/CE/CS or related, or Master's with additional experience, or Bachelor's with additional experience.
About the Company
Company: Microsoft
Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States
Microsoft is a global technology company that develops and sells software, services, devices, and solutions. Known for its Windows operating system, Office suite, and Azure cloud platform, Microsoft aims to empower individuals and organizations around the world to achieve more. The company fosters a culture of innovation and inclusion, focusing on delivering trusted experiences to customers and partners globally.
