Principal Design Engineer — Layout Design

Job Title

Principal Design Engineer — Layout Design

Role Summary

Lead custom analog/mixed-signal layout efforts for DDR I/O and related IP, delivering production-quality layouts and driving physical closure. The role coordinates with circuit designers, verification, and integration teams and may mentor a small group of layout engineers.

Experience Level

Senior — typically 8–10 years of relevant experience (or equivalent).

Responsibilities

The role focuses on end-to-end analog layout delivery and physical verification for high-speed IO and analog IP.

• Perform custom layout for DDR I/O and other analog IP to meet functional, timing, and reliability requirements.
• Execute physical verification workflows (DRC, LVS, reliability checks) and resolve violations.
• Apply analog layout techniques (matching, shielding, floorplan constraints) to optimize speed, capacitance, power, and area.
• Lead and mentor a small team of layout engineers toward successful IP delivery and integration at chip level.
• Collaborate closely with circuit designers, verification, and integration teams to meet project milestones.

Requirements

Key technical skills and attributes required or strongly preferred.

• Must-have: Hands-on analog/mixed-signal layout experience (op-amps, bandgaps, data converters, LDOs, PLLs, high-speed analog/SerDes).
• Must-have: Practical understanding of layout effects on circuit behavior (speed, capacitance, power, area) and common analog layout techniques.
• Must-have: Experience with deep-submicron (DSM) technology methodology and physical verification (DRC/LVS) flows.
• Must-have: Strong communication, documentation, and teamwork skills; ability to lead/mentor engineers.
• Nice-to-have: Experience at advanced nodes (28 nm and below).
• Nice-to-have: Scripting and automation skills to improve layout/verification productivity.
• Nice-to-have: Strong analytical and problem-solving ability and presentation skills.

Education Requirements

BE/B.Tech/ME/M.Tech/MS in Electrical, Electronics, or related engineering fields, or equivalent practical experience.

About the Company

Company: Cadence Design Systems

Headquarters: San Jose, California, USA

Cadence Design Systems is a global electronic design automation company that provides software, hardware, and intellectual property for designing advanced semiconductor chips. With over 25 years in the industry, Cadence is known for its innovative technology solutions and has been recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. The company is dedicated to solving complex technical challenges in order to enable customers to create revolutionary products and experiences.