Senior Engineer, Design Enablement (PDK)

Job Title

Senior Engineer, Design Enablement (PDK)

Role Summary

The engineer will develop and maintain design components for Process Design Kits (PDK), with primary focus on DFM rule decks, density/fill solutions, QA methodologies, and automation for manufacturability, yield and reliability.

The role sits on the Design Enablement team and requires collaboration with Process Integration, Technology Development, Physical Verification, Design Services and EDA vendors to deliver PDK releases aligned with technology schedules.

Experience Level

Senior. Education/experience guidance provided by employer: BS + 2–4 years, MS + 1–3 years, PhD + 0–1 year.

Responsibilities

Core responsibilities include creating and validating DFM and fill components for PDKs, ensuring quality and timely releases, and automating development tasks.

• Develop and maintain DFM rule decks targeting manufacturability, yield improvement, and reliability.
• Define and deploy new DFM methodologies in collaboration with Process Integration and Technology teams.
• Develop, validate and release density and fill solutions for new and existing PDKs.
• Support multiple PDK releases and coordinate deliveries with technology schedules.
• Create and maintain DFM and Fill QA methodologies, test plans, and validation suites.
• Work with EDA tool vendors to support verification, resolve technical issues, and improve workflows.
• Investigate and resolve customer-reported issues related to DFM and Fill PDK components.
• Develop scripts and automation infrastructure to improve productivity and shorten development cycles.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to raise PDK release quality and efficiency.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and workplace capabilities, plus several advantageous skills listed separately.

• Fundamental knowledge of semiconductor technology and manufacturing concepts.
• Effective verbal and written communication in English.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, global team environment.
• Experience troubleshooting customer issues and coordinating cross-team solutions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to QA and validation.

Nice-to-have / advantages:

• Experience with scripting and automation (Python, Perl, Tcl, Bash).
• Familiarity with EDA tools and PDK/physical verification workflows.
• Knowledge of ML or GenAI applied to verification or automation.
• Prior experience developing DFM, fill algorithms, or density solutions.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, Physics, Computer Science or equivalent. Employer also lists MS and PhD options with reduced experience: BS + 2–4 years, MS + 1–3 years, PhD + 0–1 year. Equivalent practical experience is acceptable.

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.