Processor ASIC RTL Design Engineer
QualcommJob Title
Processor ASIC RTL Design Engineer
Role Summary
Develop RTL for Hexagon/NPU processor cores and related subsystem blocks for SoC integration. Work within the DSP Architecture and Design team across micro-architecture, physical design, verification, and hardware integration to deliver high-performance, low-power ASIC IP.
This role requires close collaboration with architecture, verification, and physical design teams to meet area, power, and timing goals.
Experience Level
Entry-level / Early Career — typically expects approximately 2+ years of relevant ASIC/processor RTL development or microprocessor design experience.
Responsibilities
Core duties include RTL development, design integration, and cross-team collaboration.
- Define micro-architecture and implement RTL for Hexagon/NPU blocks and subsystems based on system architecture input.
- Develop functional and structural RTL (SystemVerilog) and maintain simulation/regression flows.
- Run frontend checks (linting, clock-domain crossing analysis, power intent checks) and address issues.
- Collaborate with physical design on constraints and timing closure; support timing and area optimization efforts.
- Work with verification teams on test plans, debug efforts, coverage planning, and closure.
- Support internal hardware bring-up and integration activities.
- Contribute ideas to improve ASIC/IP designs and process flows.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and practical experience (degree requirements are summarized under Education Requirements below).
- Must-have: Practical RTL development experience in SystemVerilog/Verilog including simulation and regression.
- Must-have: Experience with frontend EDA tools and checks (lint, CDC analysis, LEC, CLP or equivalent).
- Must-have: Knowledge of synthesis, static timing analysis, timing closure techniques, and clock domain crossing issues.
- Must-have: Low-power design techniques and area optimization experience.
- Must-have: Experience integrating processor cores or microarchitectural blocks into SoC environments.
- Nice-to-have: Experience with processor integration, bus interfaces, cache subsystems, or computer architecture.
- Nice-to-have: Prior work on high-performance microprocessor design and SoC integration.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field plus 2+ years of relevant work experience; OR Master's degree in those fields plus 1+ year of relevant experience; OR PhD in those fields. The posting indicates equivalent related work experience is acceptable where specified.
About the Company
Company: Qualcomm
Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States
Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.
