Principal Engineer, Applications Engineering

Job Title

Principal Engineer, Applications Engineering

Role Summary

Lead application engineering efforts for AI-driven RTL-to-GDSII design methodologies, working with customers, R&D, and product teams to deploy scalable EDA solutions. The role focuses on optimizing flows for high-performance, power- and area-constrained silicon designs and mentoring junior engineers.

Experience Level

Senior — requires 9+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include developing customer solutions, flow optimization, and technical leadership.

• Partner with customers to develop and implement AI-driven RTL-to-GDSII methodologies using Synopsys EDA tools, IP, and libraries.
• Create and optimize design flows to meet PPA targets for high-frequency, automotive, and AI/compute designs.
• Enable and deploy flows using tools such as Fusion Compiler and RTL Architect, and automate workflows with Tcl/Python.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with customers, R&D, and product teams to drive feature and solution development.
• Lead and mentor junior application engineers; provide technical guidance and project support.
• Produce technical presentations, application notes, and best-practice documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Concise list of must-have technical skills and professional capabilities.

Must-have

• Deep understanding of RTL-to-GDSII flows and hands-on experience with backend P&R tools such as Fusion Compiler or ICC2.
• Expertise in physical synthesis, timing closure, clock tree synthesis, and routing at advanced nodes (e.g., 2nm/3nm/5nm).
• Proficiency in Tcl and Python for workflow automation and methodology optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical customer relationships and lead/mentor engineering teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.

Nice-to-have

• Experience with AI-based design-space optimization engines and flow-level automation.
• Familiarity with Synopsys offerings such as RTL Architect and AI-driven optimization tools.
• Experience supporting high-capacity AI/compute or automotive design projects.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. The role also expects 9+ years of relevant industry experience.

About the Company

Company: Synopsys

Headquarters: Mountain View, California, USA

Synopsys is a leading company in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor IP solutions. It provides tools and services for designing and verifying complex semiconductor devices and systems. The company plays a pivotal role in the semiconductor industry, helping engineers innovate and deliver higher-quality products faster. Synopsys is committed to advancing technology standards and offers a range of software and hardware solutions to its clients globally.