Physical Design Methodology CAD Engineer

Apple • Cupertino, CA

1d

About The Position

As part of Apple’s Silicon Technologies group and Hardware Technology CAD team, this engineer helps design next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processors and SoCs. The role supports CPU, GPU, Analog/Mixed Signal, and SoC designs by developing flows, tools, and methodologies for future Apple products. The engineer explores and enables new technology nodes, standard cells, and tools; collaborates with design teams and EDA vendors to improve power, performance, area (PPA) and design productivity; and develops internal methodologies using CAD algorithms and machine learning. The role also uses GenAI tools to build applications that improve design-team productivity and affects chips used across Apple products.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Tcl, Python, or Perl scripting languages.
• Minimum requirement of a BS.

Nice To Haves

• Good understanding of VLSI or physical design basics through coursework or internships.
• Exposure to CAD tools, CAD flows, or physical design methodology.
• Understanding of physical design analysis, including extraction, timing, noise, physical verification, and EMIR.

Responsibilities

• Engage with cross-functional teams to tackle physical design challenges.
• Develop innovative solutions in physical design and optimization.
• Develop and support implementation flows for multiple projects and design teams.
• Develop and maintain custom CAD tools for implementation and signoff.
• Create flows that enable successful deployment of new technology nodes.
• Develop tools and methodologies to improve PPA and productivity, including machine-learning-based solutions.
• Use GenAI tools to develop applications that improve design-team productivity.
• Collaborate with teams including physical design verification, RC extraction, IR, and static timing analysis (STA).
• Work directly with EDA tool vendors to resolve tool issues and identify opportunities for tool improvements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time