Principal Electrical Engineer

Job Title

Principal Electrical Engineer

Role Summary

Renesas seeks a recognized ESD expert to define ESD architecture, develop ESD IP, and own sign-off verification for advanced-node semiconductor products (including FinFET and high-speed SerDes interfaces). The role partners with design teams, foundries, and EDA vendors to ensure robust ESD protection across complex SoCs and mixed-signal products.

Primary responsibilities include ESD device and clamp design, automated verification flows, silicon characterization support, and cross-functional technical leadership.

Experience Level

Senior-level. The posting requests 10+ years of semiconductor ESD design experience.

Responsibilities

Core responsibilities for the role include technical leadership, design, verification, and root-cause analysis for ESD protection on advanced products.

• Lead ESD architecture and sign-off reviews for advanced-node SoCs and mixed-signal products.
• Design and optimize custom ESD protection devices, clamps, and ESD IP.
• Provide co-design support to balance performance and ESD robustness.
• Develop and maintain automated ESD verification methodologies and flows.
• Support silicon characterization and testing: HBM, CDM, TLP, VF-TLP, and Latch-Up.
• Drive root-cause analysis of ESD failures and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with foundries, EDA vendors, and global design teams on ESD strategies.

Requirements

Key technical skills and experience required to perform the role.

• 10+ years of semiconductor ESD design experience, including work on FinFET technologies.
• Deep knowledge of ESD device physics and ESD phenomena: HBM, CDM, TLP, VF-TLP, Latch-Up.
• Hands-on experience designing ESD protection for FinFET SoCs and SerDes products, including ESD cell design and custom ESD IP development.
• Proven experience with ESD sign-off methodologies and verification techniques; experience with Calibre PERC or equivalent ESD verification tools.
• Proven ability to develop and deploy ESD methodologies across multiple product families and technology nodes.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional engineering environments and ability to drive results on aggressive timelines.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills for global collaboration.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience developing and maintaining Calibre PERC rule decks.
• Experience supporting advanced-node AI, HPC, networking, memory, or data-center products.
• Familiarity with IEC/EMC or system-level ESD considerations.

Education Requirements

M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a related field (specified in the posting).

About the Company

Company: Renesas

Headquarters: Hitachinaka, Japan

Renesas is a global leader in embedded semiconductor solutions, providing high-quality products across automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT sectors. With over 22,000 employees in more than 30 countries, the company focuses on scalable solutions that enhance user experience and drive innovation while committed to sustainability and energy efficiency.