Principal Engineer - Layout

Job Title

Principal Engineer - Layout

Role Summary

The Principal Engineer – Layout will lead automated place-and-route activities from floorplanning through GDSII tapeout. The role focuses on developing and deploying physical design methodologies and automation to improve design quality, turnaround, and success at tapeout.

This position partners with cross-functional engineering teams to solve physical-design challenges, optimize flows, and deliver signoff-ready designs.

Experience Level

Senior level - typically requires 10+ years of experience in automated place-and-route and physical design.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include technical leadership of layout automation and delivery of production-ready design flows.

• Lead automated P&R activities from floorplanning through GDSII tapeout.
• Design, implement, and maintain automation and utilities to improve productivity (scripting, ECO automation, QoR monitoring).
• Develop and improve physical design methodologies and flows for timing closure, power integrity, and signal integrity.
• Optimize placement, routing, CTS, and timing closure strategies; support ECO and physical verification analysis.
• Collaborate with RTL, timing, verification, and manufacturing teams to achieve signoff and tapeout schedules.
• Analyze design data to identify flow bottlenecks and implement process improvements.

Requirements

Must-have qualifications and skills:

• 10+ years of experience in automated place-and-route and physical design using industry-standard tools.
• Strong scripting and automation skills (Tcl preferred; Perl, Python, shell scripting experience required).
• Experience building automation for timing/design closure, data extraction/analysis, QoR monitoring, ECO automation, and physical verification analysis.
• Extensive hands-on experience with floorplanning, partitioning, power planning, placement/routing optimization, CTS, timing closure, signal integrity, ECO implementation, and signoff (including LEC/CLP checks).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities and a track record of improving flows and methodologies.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to work across teams.
• Self-motivated, able to manage priorities and meet tapeout-driven schedules.
• Eligibility requirement: must be a U.S. citizen, Permanent U.S. resident, or otherwise classified as a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b(a)(3) due to export control restrictions.
• Travel: up to 25% as needed.

Education Requirements

Not specified.

About the Company

Company: Microchip

Headquarters: Chandler, Arizona, USA

Microchip is a leading semiconductor company focused on developing innovative solutions to enhance the human experience. With a commitment to empowering innovation, Microchip prioritizes the value of its employees by fostering a culture that supports their growth and contributions.