Software Research Engineer/Scientist

Job Title

Software Research Engineer/Scientist

Role Summary

Work on lithography, resolution enhancement techniques (RET), and design-for-yield (DFY) to enable manufacturable advanced-node layouts at Intel Foundry. The role partners with design teams, fab patterning teams, and integration groups to translate device and process constraints into robust design rules and automation.

Primary activities include research, modeling, implementation of RET, and data-driven analysis to accelerate design and process co-optimization (DTCO).

Experience Level

Mid-level — requires at least 3 years of relevant industry experience (semiconductor physical design, layout optimization, or similar).

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement RET and other patterning techniques for existing and novel process technologies.
• Collaborate with design, process, and integration teams to define Module Target Specs (MTS) and operating points that enable manufacturable layouts.
• Engage with internal design teams and external customers to develop practical design rules and resolve patterning viability issues under tight schedules.
• Apply VLSI physical design optimization expertise to drive process innovation and layout convergence.
• Use predictive modeling, statistics, machine learning, and automation to analyze fab process data and accelerate yield convergence.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of lithography, optics, photoresists, computer modeling, and relevant software engineering techniques.

Requirements

Must-have and preferred qualifications:

• Must-have: 3+ years in the semiconductor industry focused on physical design, layout optimization, or process design-rule work; strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience working with process design rules or patterning modules to assess patterning viability and characterize next-generation layouts (3+ years).
• Practical experience with RET, lithography modeling, or related simulation methods.
• Skills in predictive modeling, statistics, machine learning, automation, and data analysis to interpret fab/process data.
• Ability to collaborate across design and fab teams and deliver results on strict timelines.
• Nice-to-have: external customer foundry experience; background as a physical-design or backend-design engineer; familiarity with standard-cell libraries, place-and-route, SRAM, or analog/mixed-signal layout; experience building automation flows for DTCO.

Education Requirements

Degree in Engineering, Physical Science, Computer Science, or a related field is required (bachelor's or higher specified). The posting specifies these degree fields explicitly.

About the Company

Company: Intel Corporation

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA

Intel Corporation is a leading multinational technology company known for its innovative semiconductor solutions, including microprocessors, artificial intelligence accelerators, and memory products. Headquartered in the United States, Intel focuses on cutting-edge technology and a collaborative working environment, driving advancements in semiconductor manufacturing to meet global demands. The company emphasizes professional development and aims to shape the future of technology through groundbreaking designs.