Physical Design Engineer, Sr. Staff
QualcommJob Title
Physical Design Engineer, Sr. Staff
Role Summary
Senior physical design engineer responsible for defining, modeling, designing, optimizing, verifying, validating, implementing, and documenting IP (block/SoC) for high-performance, low-power products. Works within the ASIC/SoC engineering organization and collaborates with software, hardware, product, and program teams to deliver silicon that meets system requirements.
Experience Level
Senior-level. Typical minimum experience: 6+ years of ASIC design/verification/validation/integration (Master's degree: 5+ years; PhD: 4+ years). Preferred candidates have 9+ years of related experience.
Responsibilities
Accountable for advanced physical design tasks across the ASIC/SoC flow and for guiding junior engineers.
- Define architectures, circuit specifications, logic designs, and system simulations based on system-level requirements.
- Execute and evaluate complex flows from high-level design through synthesis, place-and-route, timing, power analysis, and verification or equivalent custom layout flow.
- Use EDA and implementation tools (e.g., RTL-to-GDS flows, Virtuoso) to implement multiple complex blocks or SoCs.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (software/hardware architecture, product and program management) to develop and execute implementation strategies.
- Lead technical design reviews and write or review detailed technical documentation for complex EDA/IP/ASIC projects.
- Provide supervision and technical guidance to other team members; participate in decisions that affect work beyond the immediate team.
Requirements
Core technical experience and skills required or strongly preferred.
- 6+ years of ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or related work experience (baseline requirement; see Education Requirements for degree-based alternatives).
- Proven experience across physical implementation flows and familiarity with RTL-to-GDS flows and EDA toolchains.
- Strong documentation, verbal, and written communication skills; ability to convey complex technical information and influence decisions.
- Experience mentoring or supervising other engineers and contributing to organizational technical decisions.
- Nice-to-have: 3+ years of experience with architecture and design tools; 3+ years with scripting tools and programming languages; 3+ years with design verification methods; 2+ years interacting with senior leadership.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field with 6+ years of ASIC experience; OR Master's degree in Science or Engineering with 5+ years; OR PhD in Science or Engineering with 4+ years. Preferred fields include Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science. Equivalent practical experience in lieu of a listed degree is acceptable as described in the minimum qualifications.
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.
