Physical Verification Engineer
QualcommJob Title
Physical Verification Engineer
Role Summary
The Physical Verification Engineer is responsible for physical verification and sign-off activities for custom and standard-cell IC designs. The role works within the hardware engineering team to run and debug DRC/LVS/PDV checks, support physical convergence, and ensure designs meet manufacturability and reliability requirements.
Experience Level
Mid-level. Typically requires several years of hands-on backend/physical verification experience (see Education Requirements for degree-plus-experience guidance).
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include running physical verification flows, collaborating with design and P&R teams, and automating verification tasks.
- Plan and execute physical verification (DRC, LVS, Antenna, ERC, PERC, ESD) for IC projects.
- Work with PnR and physical convergence teams using tools such as ICC/Innovus and Fusion Compiler.
- Prepare and run sign-off PDV flows using Calibre, ICV, SVRF and related toolsets.
- Debug verification failures, interact with design/layout teams to resolve issues, and track closure to sign-off.
- Develop and maintain scripts and automation to improve verification efficiency.
- Collaborate across cross-functional teams to meet performance, power, and manufacturability targets.
Requirements
Required technical skills and experience for the role.
Must-have:
- Proven experience with physical verification checks: DRC, LVS, Antenna, ERC, PERC, ESD.
- Hands-on experience with PnR tools (e.g., ICC/Innovus) focused on physical convergence.
- Familiarity with sign-off PDV tools and methodologies (Calibre, ICV, SVRF, PDK concepts).
- Solid understanding of the custom IC/backend design flow and layout concepts.
Nice-to-have:
- TCL/Perl scripting for automation.
- Experience with Fusion Compiler, Innovus, and working with LEF/DEF/tech LEF files.
- Floorplanning, power planning, PDN design experience and people-management experience.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or a related field with 6+ years of relevant hardware engineering experience; OR Master's degree in those fields with 5+ years; OR PhD in those fields with 4+ years. Related technical degrees are acceptable as stated in the source posting.
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.
