SoC Physical Designer

Job Title

SoC Physical Designer

Role Summary

Entry-level physical design engineer participating in the full backend implementation flow for SoC and subsystem projects. The role works on floorplanning, placement, CTS, routing, verification, and tapeout activities and collaborates with RTL, DFT, IP, package and technology teams.

Experience Level

Entry-level / Graduate (new graduate).

Responsibilities

Implement and verify SoC physical designs from netlist to GDSII, debug issues, and improve backend flows and automation.

• Support SoC and subsystem physical implementation: floorplanning, power planning, placement, clock tree synthesis, routing, and chip finishing.
• Perform timing, power, signal-integrity and physical-verification analysis.
• Debug implementation issues and drive convergence to project PPAC (Performance, Power, Area, Cost) targets.
• Collaborate with RTL design, DFT, verification, IP, package and technology teams.
• Develop and maintain EDA automation scripts (Python, Tcl, etc.).
• Explore AI-assisted design methods to increase productivity and quality.
• Support silicon bring-up, design reviews and tapeout activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of backend methodologies and flows.

Requirements

Core technical and teamwork abilities required; programming and tool familiarity expected.

Must-have:

• Basic knowledge of VLSI design flow and semiconductor fundamentals.
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix environments.
• Programming experience in Python, Tcl, Perl, Shell, or C/C++.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork skills; fluent written and spoken English.

Nice-to-have:

• Coursework or project experience in ASIC/SoC design, physical design, timing analysis, DFT, or digital IC design.
• Hands-on experience with EDA tools such as Synopsys Fusion Compiler, ICC2, PrimeTime, Cadence Innovus, Tempus, or Calibre.
• Experience applying machine learning or AI to semiconductor design.
• Publications, competitions or research projects related to EDA or IC design.

Education Requirements

Master's degree (graduating in 2027) in Microelectronics, Integrated Circuit Design, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation, or related disciplines.

About the Company

Company: NXP Semiconductors

Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands

NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.