Staff Engineer - Standard Cell & Characterization

Job Title

Staff Engineer - Standard Cell & Characterization

Role Summary

Work on characterization, modeling, QA, and release of advanced standard cell libraries used by SoC design teams. The role is part of the Library Characterization team in Bangalore and focuses on producing accurate Liberty models and ensuring correlation between characterization, STA, and silicon.

Deliverables include Liberty models, regression validation, methodology improvements, automation, and mentoring of junior engineers.

Experience Level

Senior. Guidance: 5+ years of hands-on experience in standard cell library characterization and Liberty modeling.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include characterization, validation, coordination, and methodology improvement for standard cell libraries.

• Characterize and model standard cell libraries for advanced nodes; generate Liberty models covering NLDM, NLPM, CCS timing/noise, ECSM, LVF, AOCV, POCV, spatial OCV, aging, and electromigration.
• Perform characterization for combinational and sequential cells, clock gating, synchronizers, retention, level shifters, power gating, always-on cells, fillers, and decap cells.
• Diagnose and resolve correlation issues across characterization flows, static timing analysis (STA), and SPICE simulation; work with design teams to close gaps.
• Execute QA checks, regression analysis, and release validation to ensure library deliverables meet quality standards before customer delivery.
• Coordinate project execution within the Library Characterization team: assign tasks, track milestones, and manage release schedules.
• Drive methodology improvements and automation to improve flow efficiency, accuracy, and turnaround time.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers on characterization techniques, Liberty modeling best practices, and troubleshooting correlation issues.

Requirements

Must-have skills and relevant experience; nice-to-have items noted.

• Must-have:
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in standard cell library characterization and Liberty modeling.
  • Deep understanding of Liberty model formats and advanced variation models (NLDM, NLPM, CCS, ECSM, AOCV, POCV, spatial OCV).
  • Proven ability to debug and resolve correlation issues across characterization, STA tools, and SPICE simulation.
  • Experience characterizing a range of cell types including sequential cells, level shifters, retention cells, power gating cells, and clock gating cells.
  • Experience with QA processes, regression testing, and release management for library deliverables.
  • Strong troubleshooting, organization, and communication skills; ability to mentor junior engineers.
• Nice-to-have:
  • Experience with aging models, electromigration modeling, or challenges on advanced nodes (3nm, 5nm, 7nm).
  • Experience driving automation and methodology improvements for characterization flows.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronics, VLSI, Microelectronics, or a related field (as stated in the posting).

About the Company

Company: Synopsys

Headquarters: Mountain View, California, USA

Synopsys is a leading company in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor IP solutions. It provides tools and services for designing and verifying complex semiconductor devices and systems. The company plays a pivotal role in the semiconductor industry, helping engineers innovate and deliver higher-quality products faster. Synopsys is committed to advancing technology standards and offers a range of software and hardware solutions to its clients globally.