Principal CAD Physical Implementation Engineer
About The Position
Ericsson Silicon is seeking a hands-on technical leader to advance back-end CAD architecture, physical implementation flows, and signoff methodologies for ASIC programs. The role combines deep physical implementation expertise with software engineering and practical AI to build faster, more reliable back-end flows. It includes work on advanced ASIC technologies such as Intel 18A and TSMC 3/2nm, with the goal of improving power, performance, area, and implementation turnaround time. The engineer will work across BE Infrastructure, Build, and Signoff, partnering with Physical Design teams, FE methodology owners, EDA vendors, and the Silicon CAD Technical Program Manager. The position owns technical direction and qualified engineering solutions; designated technical owners retain project signoff approval. The role is based in Austin, Texas, and is not remote.
Requirements
- At least 10 years of experience in physical implementation, BE CAD, or methodology development, with evidence of production deployment and successful tapeout contributions.
- Deep hands-on expertise in implementation and timing closure, plus a strong understanding of RTL-to-GDSII dependencies and signoff.
- Strong experience with Synopsys Fusion Compiler and/or Cadence Innovus, and relevant timing or signoff tools.
- Strong Python and Tcl skills.
- Experience building maintainable automation using Linux, version control, code review, automated tests, and controlled releases.
- Demonstrated ability to turn difficult engineering problems into reusable solutions across projects, explain technical trade-offs, and lead through technical credibility.
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Nice To Haves
- Specialist depth in one or more signoff domains.
- Practical application of AI/ML or LLM-based tools to EDA optimization, debug, or engineering automation.
- Advanced-node or hierarchical implementation experience.
- Measurable improvements in PPA, closure time, and compute efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Architect scalable back-end flows by evolving FlowJam and its interfaces with shared execution infrastructure; build reusable, configurable workflows with traceable inputs, tool versions, and results.
- Develop synthesis-to-GDSII methodologies spanning floorplanning, placement, clock-tree synthesis, routing, low-power implementation, and ECO closure, improving PPA and turnaround time.
- Develop and qualify signoff flows for static timing analysis, extraction, equivalence, power integrity, and physical verification in collaboration with domain experts.
- Improve implementation-to-signoff correlation and expose closure risks earlier.
- Deliver AI-assisted design-space exploration, recipe optimization, report analysis, failure triage, and root-cause investigation, validating benefits against reproducible baselines and retaining engineering review and qualified signoff checks.
- Automate regression testing and release qualification; define FE–BE handoff checks, run representative pilots, and support controlled rollout without disrupting active tapeout schedules.
- Resolve complex flow and tool issues and influence EDA vendor improvements.
- Mentor engineers through design reviews, documentation, and shared ownership.
- Partner with the Silicon CAD Technical Program Manager on integrated delivery and adoption.
Benefits
- Annual short-term variable compensation plan with bonus opportunity.
- Choice of three medical plan options and a dental plan option, with company credits toward premiums.
- 401(k) plan with automatic 3% company contribution and matching contributions of up to 4% when the employee contributes at least 5% of eligible pay.
- Basic life insurance and basic accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
- Optional Stock Purchase Plan.
- At least 15 days of accrued vacation, up to 3 personal days per year, 11 annual holidays, 8 hours of volunteer time, and 80 hours of sick time annually.
- Up to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave and 6 weeks of parental or adoption leave at 100% of pay.
- Financial wellness programs.
- Educational assistance.
- Matching gifts.
- Recognition programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
