Principal Engineer, Design Enablement (PDK)

Job Title

Principal Engineer, Design Enablement (PDK)

Role Summary

Member of the Design Enablement team responsible for developing and maintaining Process Design Kit (PDK) design components and flows that enable customers and internal teams to design on GF technologies (350 nm down to 12 nm, including FD-SOI, RF, high-voltage, and automotive variants).

The role involves developing CAD flows, collaborating with technology and product teams, troubleshooting tool and data issues, and producing documentation and test content for PDK delivery.

Experience Level

Senior. The job title indicates a senior-level role. The posting also lists "0–4 years" of experience, which conflicts with the title; the employer-provided years should be treated as guidance.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include creating and validating PDK components, supporting CAD/EDA flows, and working with cross-functional teams to deliver production-ready design enablement assets.

• Develop, validate and maintain PDK design components and associated documentation.
• Implement and support CAD/EDA flows and design-rule checks (layout, schematic, LVS, DRC) using industry tools.
• Create test cases, run verification, and debug tool or data issues on Unix/Linux platforms.
• Automate repetitive tasks and flows using scripting languages.
• Collaborate with process, device, product, and customer teams to ensure PDK quality and usability.
• Provide technical support and training to internal users and customers as needed.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and attributes, followed by concise nice-to-have items.

• 0–4 years of experience in semiconductor and/or EDA industries (as listed by employer).
• Strong technical problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
• Fluent English, both written and verbal; effective interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to take initiative.
• Experience with CAD/EDA systems (examples: Cadence tools, Mentor Calibre) — practical experience preferred.
• Familiarity with Unix/Linux environments.
• Nice-to-have: scripting experience (Perl, Tcl, Bash), exposure to Cadence Virtuoso or Skill programming, and solid understanding of electronic device and semiconductor theory.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, Physics, Computer Science, or equivalent; the posting also allows equivalent practical experience.

About the Company

Company: GlobalFoundries

Headquarters: Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

GlobalFoundries is a leading contract manufacturer for the global semiconductor industry, with facilities in multiple countries, including the USA. The company develops a broad portfolio of semiconductor technologies and employs around 13,000 people worldwide. GlobalFoundries focuses on enhancing competitiveness in specialized application solutions and fostering innovation in mobile communications, consumer electronics, and automotive applications.