Principal Physical Design Engineer

Job Title

Principal Physical Design Engineer (NVM IP Physical Design Lead)

Role Summary

Lead physical back-end design for embedded NVM IPs (MRAM/RRAM) in FinFET technology nodes within NXP's global NVM design organization. Drive implementation and sign-off of production-ready NVM IP solutions for automotive and other product lines, and collaborate with cross-regional design and product teams.

Experience Level

Senior — principal-level role. The posting indicates 10+ years of relevant place-and-route / physical design experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Lead and perform RTL-to-GDS flows: synthesis, floor-planning, power distribution, clock tree synthesis, place-and-route, ECOs, and chip finishing including metal/dummy fill.
• Run physical verification and produce sign-off quality deliverables.
• Develop efficient, automated physical-design flows and leverage AI tools to improve productivity.
• Collaborate with NVM design teams and NXP product development teams across Bangalore, EU and US.
• Mentor and grow junior engineers in NVM physical design competence.
• Ensure deliverables meet automotive and production readiness requirements; support occasional travel.

Requirements

Core technical and professional requirements.

Must-have:

• 10+ years of hands-on place-and-route / physical design experience.
• Practical experience with analog-mixed-signal design flows, tools and methodologies (Cadence or Synopsys).
• Proven scripting and flow automation skills.
• Experience with 1X/FinFET nodes and below for place-and-route.
• Experience running physical verification and delivering sign-off quality masks/GDS.
• Strong communication skills and experience working with international teams.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead design execution.
• Available for occasional travel.

Nice-to-have:

• Knowledge of NVM technology, macro architecture and design.
• Flexibility to work across both Cadence and Synopsys toolsets.
• Prior experience delivering automotive IP or automotive qualification knowledge.
• Experience applying AI/ML tools in physical-design automation.

Education Requirements

BS or MS in Electronics or Electrical Engineering.

About the Company

Company: NXP Semiconductors

Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands

NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.