Efficient ComputerVerified Source

Lead Physical Design Engineer SOC Top Lead

200K–250K
Onsite · San Jose, California
Posted July 31, 2026
payroll

Overview

Efficient develops energy efficient general purpose computer processor. Lead engineer drives SOC top for next generation SoCs. Own full chip from block integration to tapeout ready GDS. Influence product evolution from development to market release. Shape future of computing at the edge.

What You'll Do11

  • 1Full-chip integration: floorplanning power planning macro/hard IP placement and block partitioning at top level ensuring convergence across hierarchical blocks
  • 2Timing closure: full-chip STA across all corners/modes including cross-boundary timing and chip-level constraint SDC ownership
  • 3Power: full-chip power planning PDN design analysis IR drop EM rail architecture and power-gating strategy coordination
  • 4Physical verification: DRC LVS antenna closure seal ring integration and ECO cycle coordination
  • 5Signal integrity & noise: crosstalk di/t and chip-level noise closure around high speed IO and PLL analog boundaries
  • 6Clock & reset architecture: top-level clock tree strategy across domains including CTS coordination with block owners
  • 7DFT integration: chip-level scan stitching MBIST JTAG integration and ATPG test coverage closure
  • 8Package/IO co-design: bump/ball map coordination IO ring planning and package aware floorplanning
  • 9Tapeout readiness: sign-off checklist ownership timing power physical reliability and final GDS handoff
  • 10Cross-team coordination: single point of contact between block-level PD owners DV DFT package engineering and architecture on convergence tradeoffs and schedule risk
  • 11Technical leadership: mentor block-level PD engineers on convergence best practices set methodology for chip-top closure

Requirements12

  • 1Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years industry experience or PhD with 3+ years industry experience
  • 28-12+ years physical design experience with at least 2-3 full tapeouts at chip-top/SoC integration level
  • 3Deep hands-on experience with advanced nodes
  • 4Strong PDN/IR-drop/EM analysis proficiency Voltus or equivalent
  • 5Experience with chip-level DFT integration scan stitching MBIST JTAG
  • 6Familiarity with package co-design flip-chip/BGA C4 bumps ball map
  • 7Tool fluency Innovus ICC2 Tempus PrimeTime RedHawk Calibre
  • 8Demonstrated ability to lead technically without direct reports driving alignment across engineers and teams
  • 9Experience with non-standard novel architectures dataflow tiled NoC-based systems
  • 10Excellent scripting skills in TCL shell and Python
  • 11Knowledge of computer architecture physical design ASIC implementation full chip sign off convergence circuit design device physics deep sub-micron technology knowledge
  • 12Proficiency integrating analog or mixed-signal macros on top-level designs

Salary Insight

$200 - $250k per year

Location

Typeonsite
LocationSan Jose, California

Required Skills

InnovusICC2TempusPrimeTimeRedHawkCalibreVoltusTCLShellPythonFull-chip integrationTiming closurePower planningDFT integrationPackage co-design
Share:

Similar open positions

Explore active roles that match your skills and interests.

1000 Micron Technology, Inc.

1000 Micron Technology, Inc.

1d agoDallas, Texaspayroll

SoC Physical Design Engineer

Senior Member of Technical Staff leads physical design of SoC logic/base die from netlist to GDSII within Heterogeneous Integration Group. Owns implementation across multiple product generations and drives performance power area targets.

177K–334K
Cadence InnovusSynopsys ICC2PrimeTime+9 more
191 Altera Corporation

191 Altera Corporation

1d agoSan Jose, Californiapayroll

Physical Design Technical Lead Altera

We seek a leader to own SOC and block-level implementation at Altera. You will drive end-to-end design from floorplan to signoff while shaping ML/AI flows. This high-visibility role offers a clear path to senior technical leadership.

210K–299K
Synopsys Fusion CompilerCadence InnovusSynopsys PrimeTime+3 more
100 Intel Corporation

100 Intel Corporation

17d agoPortland, Oregonpayroll

Mid-Level Physical Design Engineer CPU - Intel

Design and deliver high-performance CPU cores for client server IoT and AI platforms. Lead RTL-to-GDS flow ownership while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Build depth in physical design and SoC development. Strong growth opportunities available.

122K–232K
SynopsysCadenceLogic synthesis+6 more
Intel

Intel

1d agoAustin, Texaspayroll

CPU Physical Design Engineer Intel

Design and lead physical implementation of custom CPU cores from RTL to GDS. Own end‑to‑end design flow including synthesis, placement, routing, and verification. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑performance, power‑efficient processors for client server and AI workloads. Differentiate yourself by driving innovation in microprocessor architecture and design automation.

106K–200K
CPU Physical DesignRTL to GDSLogic Synthesis+11 more

Google

1d agoAustin, Texaspayroll

CPU Physical Design Engineer - Google Silicon

Own block-level physical design for Google's custom silicon, from synthesis through signoff, targeting high-performance, low-power CPUs at 5nm and below. Collaborate with RTL, Architecture, and DFT teams to align constraints and resolve timing, congestion, and power issues. Drive design convergence with industry-standard tools like Synopsys and Cadence. This role requires deep expertise in Place & Route and STA to deliver silicon that powers Google's direct-to-consumer products.

138K–197K
Digital Physical Design ImplementationSynthesisPlace and Route+5 more

Qualcomm

1d agoSan Diego, Californiapayroll

Physical Design Engineer Qualcomm

Qualcomm seeks senior Physical Design Engineers to lead SoC and ASIC design initiatives. Candidates will own complex digital design flows delivering high-performance power-efficient products across GPU camera multimedia DDR modem audio and other cutting‑edge semiconductor solutions. This role offers collaboration with world‑class verification integration and physical design teams to push technology boundaries.

116K–173K
Physical design flowFloorplanningClock Tree Synthesis+3 more