Senior Staff Engineer, EM/IR
QualcommJob Title
Senior Staff Engineer, EM/IR
Role Summary
Lead EM/IR sign-off and power-integrity activities for advanced-node SoC projects. Own full-chip and block-level IR drop and electromigration (EM) sign-off, die/interposer/package analysis, and integration with chip-package-system teams.
Develop and maintain robust EM/IR flows and methods, drive root-cause debugging of voltage and EM violations, and collaborate with physical design, timing, DFT, package, and test teams to meet tapeout targets.
Experience Level
Senior - typically requires 12+ years of semiconductor industry experience in power integrity, sign-off, or related roles.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include ownership of sign-off, flow development, cross-functional integration, and team leadership.
- Own full-chip and block-level static/dynamic IR drop and EM sign-off across modes and vectors.
- Perform die + interposer (+ package) power and EM analysis and convergence for sign-off.
- Drive root-cause debugging and recommend fixes in floorplan and power grid with PnR teams.
- Provide power estimation and sign-off using PrimeTime-PX and Joules across use cases.
- Define and maintain EM/IR methodologies using EDA tools (e.g., RedHawk-SC, Cadence Voltus) and improve flow convergence.
- Support chip-package-system (CPS) integration and collaborate with package/interposer teams.
- Coordinate with DFT, STA, analog/SerDes, and test teams to assess sign-off impacts and provide guidance.
- Engage with EDA vendors to resolve tool issues and track critical project-impacting items.
- Lead daily task allocation, monitor project schedules, and report technical risks and mitigation plans to management.
- Mentor junior and mid-level engineers on advanced-node power integrity and scripting practices.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items noted separately.
- Extensive experience (typically 12+ years) in semiconductor power-integrity sign-off and EM/IR domains.
- Advanced expertise with sign-off tools such as Ansys RedHawk-SC, Cadence Voltus, and PrimeTime-PX / Joules.
- Strong scripting skills in Python and TCL for flow automation and debug.
- Proven ability to handle vector-based and vector-less IR sign-off across use cases and modes.
- Experience driving cross-functional fixes with PnR, STA, DFT, and package teams.
- Experience in power estimation, CPM generation, and addressing EM and voltage violations.
- Demonstrated leadership: task allocation, schedule management, stakeholder communication, and mentoring.
- Nice-to-have: deep knowledge of mixed-signal IP sign-off metrics, ATE/board testing power estimation, and prior vendor engagement for EDA tool issues.
Education Requirements
Acceptable credentials include a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, VLSI, Engineering, or a related technical/electronics discipline. The posting specifies degree-plus-experience combinations (e.g., Bachelor's +6 years, Master's +5 years, PhD +4 years) as the baseline for the role.
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.
