VLSI IP Characterization Engineer, Senior to Staff
QualcommJob Title
VLSI IP Characterization Engineer, Senior to Staff
Role Summary
Join the TECHIP team to perform IP characterization and enablement for standard cells, memories, and IO. The role focuses on measurement, modeling, automation and analysis to support foundation IP quality and integration into SoC flows.
Work involves scripting and large-scale EDA automation, data analysis/visualization, and collaboration with design, verification and tooling teams to validate and deliver characterized IP.
Experience Level
Senior. The posting specifies degree-based experience options: Bachelor's +2+ years, Master's +1+ year, or PhD. The job title indicates a senior/staff level role.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include characterization, automation, and support for foundation IP.
- Plan and execute IP characterization runs for standard cells, memories, and IO.
- Develop and maintain automation scripts and large-scale EDA flows on UNIX/Linux platforms.
- Process, analyze, and visualize characterization data to derive models and metrics.
- Generate and validate Liberty/advanced modeling formats (e.g., CCS, LVF) and statistical variation models.
- Collaborate with RTL, verification, timing and physical design teams to ensure IP readiness.
- Support static timing analysis, spice-based validation, and design-rule verification as needed.
- Debug characterization and silicon issues; provide actionable recommendations for design optimization.
- Document flows, results, and enable reuse across IP projects.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and attributes required for day-to-day work.
- Solid understanding of CMOS and FinFET device behavior, logic/transistor fundamentals, and digital circuit optimization.
- Background in standard cell, memory, and IO circuits and practical IP characterization experience.
- Strong analytical and debugging skills.
- Proficient software programming in Python or Perl on UNIX/Linux.
- Highly motivated, team-oriented, with effective communication skills.
Nice-to-have
- Hands-on experience with industrial EDA tool automation and large-scale automation enablement.
- Familiarity with design kit views and Liberty formats (including CCS, LVF) and statistical variation modeling.
- Experience with RTL design/verification (Verilog/SystemVerilog), SVA, DFT/BIST modeling.
- Knowledge of static timing analysis, physical design flows, spice simulation, and DRC/LVS procedures.
Education Requirements
Required: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field. Preferred: Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science. Minimum-qualification alternatives listed: Bachelor's + 2+ years ASIC-design/verification/validation/integration experience; OR Master's + 1+ year; OR PhD in a science or engineering field.
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.
