Physical Design for PPA Optimization Engineer
Intel CorporationJob Title
Physical Design for PPA Optimization Engineer
Role Summary
The engineer will improve Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) for Intel IPs by developing and executing physical design optimization methodologies and experiments. The role partners with process, Core, and SoC design teams to evaluate new process technologies and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
Experience Level
Mid-level. Preferred experience: 2+ years in physical design or circuit design (preferred qualification listed).
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities focus on designing and evaluating experiments and flows that reveal PPA trade-offs and optimization opportunities.
- Define and implement Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) experiments to evaluate interactions between process technology and physical implementation.
- Develop design optimization methodologies across placement, CTS, routing, and timing closure.
- Run the full place-and-route flow to quantify impacts of new technologies on PPA metrics.
- Identify device-, cell-, and block-level trade-offs and optimization opportunities.
- Translate implementation results into clear, actionable recommendations that inform product and process decisions.
- Collaborate with Core and SoC design teams to drive process and product-level optimization.
Requirements
Concise list of required skills and preferred additions.
- Must-have: Hands-on experience in physical or circuit design.
- Must-have: Basic scripting skills (Python, Tcl, or similar).
- Must-have: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to analyze implementation results and communicate conclusions clearly.
- Nice-to-have: Familiarity with physical design implementation flows and methodologies (placement, CTS, routing, timing closure).
- Nice-to-have: Experience developing physical design methodologies and analysis tools.
- Nice-to-have: Solid understanding of transistor-, cell-, and block-level PPA trade-offs.
Education Requirements
BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field (as stated in the minimum qualifications).
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.
