Senior Lead Physical Design Engineer
QualcommJob Title
Senior Lead Physical Design Engineer
Role Summary
Responsible for physical design (PNR) implementation and signoff for Qualcomm SoCs within the ASIC/Hardware Engineering team. The role focuses on floorplanning, placement, CTS, timing and power signoff to deliver low-power, high-performance blocks and SoCs.
Experience Level
Senior - typically 5+ years of hardware and PNR experience. The posting also lists degree-based alternatives (Bachelor's with 3+ years, Master's with 2+ years, PhD with 1+ year) but emphasizes 5+ years of PNR/hardware engineering experience on advanced nodes.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include end-to-end PNR implementation and signoff for complex SoC blocks on advanced process nodes.
- Lead floorplanning, placement, Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS), optimization and post-route implementation.
- Perform static timing analysis (STA) and lead timing signoff activities.
- Execute power analysis and participate in power signoff and low-power verification flows.
- Work with signoff domains including LEC, CLP and PDN to achieve closure.
- Develop and maintain automation and flow scripts (Perl/Tcl) on Unix/Linux.
- Debug implementation issues and optimize designs for area, power and timing.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams for IP integration and system-level physical solutions.
Requirements
Key technical skills and practical experience required.
- Proven PNR implementation experience on advanced process nodes (e.g., 4nm/5nm/7nm/10nm).
- Strong knowledge of placement, CTS, optimization and post-route flows.
- Signoff experience with STA, power analysis and physical verification (FV, PV).
- Familiarity with signoff domains such as LEC, CLP and PDN.
- Proficiency with Unix/Linux and scripting in Perl or Tcl for flow automation.
- Analytical problem-solving skills and ability to drive complex implementation to closure.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field with 3+ years of ASIC design/verification/integration experience; OR Master's degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field with 2+ years; OR PhD in Science, Engineering, or a related field with 1+ year. Equivalent practical experience is accepted.
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.
