Staff NPU STA/Timing Engineer
QualcommJob Title
Staff NPU STA/Timing Engineer
Role Summary
Member of the hardware engineering team responsible for static timing analysis (STA) and timing closure for multi-mode, multi-voltage-domain NPU designs. The role focuses on timing analysis, convergence, tool flow optimization, and automation to achieve chip- and macro-level timing signoff.
Experience Level
Senior level. Minimum formal requirements list 1–2+ years depending on degree; preferred experience for this role is 5–10 years in STA/timing analysis and convergence.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include timing analysis, methodology development, and automation for back-end timing closure.
- Set up, run, review, and sign off STA for multi-mode, multi-voltage domain designs.
- Perform timing analysis, validation, and debug across multiple PVT corners using PrimeTime and/or Tempus.
- Optimize STA flow and correlate Spice simulations to STA results.
- Drive timing convergence at chip and hard-macro levels.
- Evaluate and compare timing methodologies and tools across designs and technology nodes.
- Develop automation scripts and flows within STA/physical-design tools to improve methodology and productivity.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and produce clear technical documentation and reviews.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience for effective performance in this role.
- Strong expertise in STA fundamentals: constraints definition, AOCV/POCV, CTS, latch transparency, 0-cycle and multi-cycle path handling, and timing convergence strategies.
- Hands-on experience with STA tools such as Synopsys PrimeTime and Cadence Tempus.
- Experience with timing flow implementation and RTL-to-GDS tools: ICC/ICC2, Innovus, and related back-end flows.
- Proficient scripting skills for design automation (TCL, Perl, Python); familiarity with Awk is a plus.
- Ability to run and interpret circuit simulations and correlate with STA results; familiarity with Monte Carlo flows is beneficial.
- Good technical writing and communication skills; able to work in cross-collaborative environments.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Microelectronics, VLSI, or a related engineering field. The posting lists: B.Tech or MTech/MS in Electrical/Electronics/Microelectronics/VLSI. Minimum experience expectations vary by degree (e.g., Bachelor's +2 years; Master's +1 year; PhD as listed).
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.
