SoC Physical Design Engineer (Senior/Lead)
QualcommJob Title
SoC Physical Design Engineer (Senior/Lead)
Role Summary
Senior physical design engineer responsible for end-to-end implementation of complex SoC/IP blocks from netlist to GDSII on advanced process nodes. The role partners with RTL, STA, DFT, verification, and CAD teams to meet tapeout and performance targets.
Experience Level
Senior - typically 3–6 years of hands-on physical design experience; minimum experience expectations vary by degree (see Education Requirements).
Responsibilities
Deliver physical design and signoff for SoC/IP blocks and resolve implementation issues to achieve tapeout schedules.
- Lead floorplanning, power planning (PDN), placement, CTS, routing, STA, and timing closure.
- Perform physical verification tasks including DRC, LVS, and signoff checks.
- Debug and resolve timing, congestion, IR drop, and other physical design problems.
- Collaborate with RTL, STA, DFT, verification, and CAD teams to meet design and tapeout goals.
- Support successful chip tapeouts on advanced technology nodes.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience (education requirements are listed separately).
- 3–6 years of hands-on SoC/ASIC physical design experience.
- Proven expertise in floorplanning, PDN, placement, CTS, routing, and timing closure.
- Experience with industry-standard EDA tools such as Innovus, ICC2/Fusion Compiler, PrimeTime, and Calibre.
- Strong understanding of physical verification, power integrity, and signoff methodologies.
- Experience on advanced process nodes (16 nm and below preferred).
- Strong debugging, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Nice-to-have: experience with high-performance CPU, GPU, AI, mobile, networking, or multimedia SoCs; background from leading semiconductor product companies.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or a related technical field OR equivalent practical work experience. Minimum experience varies by degree: Bachelors +6 years, Masters +5 years, PhD +4 years of relevant hardware engineering experience.
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.
