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Physical Design Engineer, Principal

Qualcomm
September 14, 2026
Full-time
On-site
Tempe, Arizona, United States
Physical Design Jobs, Level - Senior

Job Title

Physical Design Engineer, Principal

Role Summary

Experienced ASIC engineer responsible for defining, modeling, designing, optimizing, verifying, validating, implementing, and documenting IP (block/SoC) for high-performance, low-power products. The role partners with cross-functional teams to deliver complex silicon and influence implementation strategies across the product lifecycle.

Experience Level

Senior (Principal). See Education Requirements for specific years-of-experience guidance.

Responsibilities

Key technical and collaboration responsibilities for IP and SoC development.

  • Define and model IP and block-level architectures to meet system-level requirements.
  • Design and optimize digital and/or analog circuits and logic for performance and power.
  • Perform verification, validation, and implementation from RTL through GDS.
  • Develop system simulations, circuit specifications, and detailed logic designs.
  • Lead synthesis, place-and-route, timing closure, and power analysis efforts.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute implementation strategies.
  • Use EDA/architecture tools and flows (RTL-to-GDS, Virtuoso, etc.) for complex block/SoC development.
  • Produce and review detailed technical documentation for EDA/IP/ASIC projects.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience for successful performance in this role.

  • Proven expertise in ASIC design and verification methodologies.
  • Practical experience across the full physical implementation flow: synthesis, P&R, timing closure, and power optimization.
  • Familiarity with RTL-to-GDS flows and industry EDA tools; ability to apply tools to architecture and block design.
  • Proficiency with scripting and programming for automation and data analysis.
  • Ability to create and interpret system-level simulations, circuit specs, and logic designs.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and stakeholder interactions.
  • Experience mentoring or serving as a technical resource across the design flow.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant ASIC/SoC experience; OR Master's degree with 7+ years; OR PhD with 6+ years of relevant experience in ASIC design, verification, validation, or integration.


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.

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Date Posted: 2026-09-12