Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) Principal Engineer

SkyWater Technology Foundry, Inc. • Austin, TX

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location — employees join together to improve the world.
Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.
Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds.
Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!
SkyWater is hiring a Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) Principal Engineer for our Austin, TX site.
SkyWater is at the forefront of innovation, where design, technology, and problem-solving converge. As a key technical expert, leading Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) for future SkyWater technologies, you’ll play a critical role in enabling fast, efficient growth across our manufacturing sites. This position drives collaboration between advanced process technology and design, delivering breakthroughs that power products with unmatched performance and efficiency.

Requirements

• 10+ years experience with BS, 7-10 years of experience with MS, 5+ years of experience with PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or a related field.
• Strong background in semiconductor device physics, process technology, and PDKs with hands-on experience in mature CMOS nodes
• Demonstrated experience with variability analysis, and design rule impacts on PPA
• Familiarity with PDK components, modeling (SPICE, corners, variability), and EDA flows (physical verification)
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to bridge foundry/process teams, PDK teams, design/IP teams and customers; and drive technical alignment
• Hands-on expertise in semiconductor fabrication processes, including lithography, etch, deposition, and CMP, with a deep understanding of process integration and design-rule implications
• Proven leadership with the ability to mentor team members and establish processes that position the organization for future DTCO team development and growth
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed to manufacturing sites

Responsibilities

• Lead Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) activities to align process capabilities, PDK features, and design methodologies for optimal Power, Performance, Area (PPA), yield, and reliability for SkyWater’s platform technologies.
• Drive pathfinding and technology definition, including design rules, device options, manufacturing variability (e.g., poly-CD), design margins, and their impact on functional yield and PPA, in collaboration with technology enablement, process integration, and PDK teams
• Partner with IP, PDK, and modeling teams to translate manufacturing constraints and variability into design-aware solutions, enabling robust PDKs, IP, and reference flows for SkyWater’s customers
• Identify and resolve design-rule and process integration challenges through innovative solutions
• Lead cross-functional DTCO initiatives while mentoring team members and implementing scalable processes that lay the foundation for future DTCO team growth and organizational capability

Benefits

• SkyWater offers competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well other employee financial benefits including 401k match, life insurance and opportunities to purchase SkyWater stock at a discounted rate.
• Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site cafeteria, fitness facility, and self-serve market.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree