Physical Design Engineer

Job Title

Physical Design Engineer

Role Summary

Join Intel's HIPD - SAM group as a Physical Design Engineer to implement high-speed mixed-signal IP from RTL to GDS. You will work with architects, logic designers, and analog engineers to complete physical implementation, verification, and sign-off for manufacturable designs.

This role focuses on physical design flows, power and reliability analysis, SoC integration, and improving automation and methodologies for production-ready silicon.

Experience Level

Entry-level. Typical experience: 0–1+ years (Master's candidates with 0 years also considered).

Responsibilities

Key day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Create and deliver a manufacturing-ready design database that completes sign-off flows.
• Plan and analyze power supply and power grids to ensure robust power delivery.
• Perform logic synthesis, place-and-route, and clock tree synthesis using industry EDA tools.
• Execute verification activities: formal equivalence verification (FEV), static timing analysis (STA), and physical verification (LVS, DRC, antenna checks).
• Optimize designs for power, performance, and area while maintaining reliability.
• Conduct power integrity analysis (IR/voltage drop) and apply power-reduction techniques.
• Debug and resolve integration issues at the SoC level in cross-functional teams.
• Participate in design reviews and manage manufacturing sign-off flows.
• Develop and improve physical design methodologies and automation flows.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience:

• Proficiency with industry EDA tools such as Synopsys Design Compiler, Cadence Innovus, and PrimeTime.
• Practical knowledge of physical design flows and RTL-to-GDS implementation.
• Familiarity with static timing analysis, layout verification, and reliability verification techniques.
• Experience with power integrity analysis and implementing power-reduction methods.
• Ability to debug SoC-level integration and collaborate across architecture, logic, and analog teams.

Nice-to-have:

• Understanding of CMOS circuit principles and digital logic optimization.
• Experience with low-power implementation techniques and multiple power-domain analysis.
• Coursework or hands-on VLSI/physical design experience; strong analytical and communication skills.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electronics Engineering (0–1+ years of relevant experience), or a Master's degree in Microelectronics/VLSI (0 years of relevant experience). Fields referenced: Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Microelectronics, VLSI.

About the Company

Company: Intel Corporation

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA

Intel Corporation is a leading multinational technology company known for its innovative semiconductor solutions, including microprocessors, artificial intelligence accelerators, and memory products. Headquartered in the United States, Intel focuses on cutting-edge technology and a collaborative working environment, driving advancements in semiconductor manufacturing to meet global demands. The company emphasizes professional development and aims to shape the future of technology through groundbreaking designs.