Sr Physical Design Engineer (GF 12LP) – 100% remote

Encore Semi • Raleigh, NC

8d • Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Physical Design Engineer to lead the RTL-to-GDSII implementation of high-performance SoCs. In this role, you will take ownership of advanced FinFET design challenges, push Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) boundaries, and drive robust timing closure targeting the GlobalFoundries 12LP node.

Requirements

• 5+ years of ASIC physical design experience with proven tape-outs on advanced FinFET nodes (≤14nm/12nm).
• Deep hands-on proficiency with Synopsys Fusion Compiler (or ICC II) and PrimeTime.
• Strong grounding in synthesis, CTS, complex SDC constraints, and signoff methodologies.
• Solid scripting skills in Tcl, Python, or Perl.
• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• US Citizen required.

Nice To Haves

• Direct tape-out experience on GF 12LP / 12LP+.
• Deep knowledge of advanced low-power flows (UPF, multi-voltage, DVFS).
• Experience hardening high-frequency processor cores (e.g., ARM, RISC-V).

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Implementation: Drive block- and top-level physical design from synthesis through GDSII signoff using the Synopsys Fusion Design Platform.
• Core P&R & Optimization: Execute floorplanning, power grid design, placement, Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS), and detail routing optimized for GF 12LP standard cell architectures.
• Timing & Signoff: Lead Static Timing Analysis (STA), parasitic extraction, and multi-corner/multi-mode closure using PrimeTime and StarRC.
• Physical Verification & Reliability: Resolve advanced FinFET physical challenges, including double patterning, DRC/LVS (ICV), and EM/IR-drop analysis (RedHawk).
• Automation: Develop Tcl and Python scripts to streamline flows, improve runtimes, and track PPA metrics.

Benefits

• 15 days of PTO per calendar year
• 10 paid Holidays per calendar year
• Comprehensive Medical Benefits: Company covers 80% of premiums for Employee and Dependents
• Dental & Vision: Company covers 50% of premiums for Employee and Dependents
• Voluntary Benefits: Life Insurance, FSA (Health and Dependent, Limited Purpose), HAS, and Gap Insurance
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• 401k - Traditional & Roth
• Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition reimbursement
• Bonuses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior