Physical Design Automation Engineer

Job Details:

The Design Technology Platform team at Intel Foundry India is chartered with process technology definition, advanced methodology development, and design prototyping on Intel's latest process nodes. We support Intel's internal and external design customers and offer a unique opportunity to be among the first engineers working on cutting-edge process technologies.We are seeking an experienced Technical Lead - APR Design Automation to develop and optimize RTL-to-GDS (R2G) flows primarily using Cadence Innovus Implementation System, while supporting test chip and foundry IP needs. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in Cadence Innovus-based PnR flow development, with working knowledge of Synopsys Fusion Compiler being a strong added advantage. A key aspect of this role will be enabling, deploying, and supporting Cadence Innovus-based APR flows for Intel's internal product design teams as well as external foundry customers who are leveraging Intel's process technology - ensuring robust, scalable, and production-ready flow solutions that meet the design and performance requirements across a diverse customer base.This is an individual contributor (IC) technical leadership role focused on physical design automation tools, flows, and methodologies on leading-edge process nodes.

Lead the development, deployment, and continuous improvement of RTL-to-GDS flows using Cadence Innovus as the primary PnR platform

Define and drive physical design tools, flows, and methodologies including:oBlock-level implementation and integrationoFloorplanning, placement, CTS, and routing automationoTiming closure methodologies

Develop and maintain Tcl-based scripting and automation to enhance layout productivity within Innovus and related Cadence tools

Evaluate and benchmark Cadence Innovus vs. Synopsys Fusion Compiler flows; provide data-driven recommendations on tool and methodology selection

Enable and support industry-standard static timing analysis (STA) tools for test chips and Foundry IPs (FIPs), and ensure continued support and enhancement

Collaborate with central CAD, design teams, local CAD teams, and EDA vendors (Cadence, Synopsys) to define next-generation PnR methodologies

Work closely with internal and external design customers to understand requirements and deliver robust, scalable automation solutions

Respond to customer/client requests proactively, developing solutions leveraging formal expertise and engineering judgment

Contribute to process node bring-up by validating and refining flows on Intel's latest technology nodes

Qualifications:Educational RequirementsMaster's degree in M.Tech or MS in Microelectronics, Electronics Engineering, or an equivalent qualification from a reputed institute, with relevant industry experience in physical design and APR flow developmentTechnical QualificationsPhysical Design and APR ExpertiseProven hands-on experience in block-level design closure using Cadence Innovus Implementation System as the primary APR tool for end-to-end RTL-to-GDS flowsStrong working knowledge of all key physical design stages including Floorplanning covering die size estimation, macro placement and pin assignment, Power Planning covering power grid design, IR drop awareness, ring and stripe strategies, Placement covering timing-driven and congestion-aware placement optimization, Clock Tree Synthesis covering clock tree design, skew and latency optimization, and Routing covering global and detailed routing and DRC-clean routing closureWell-versed with multiple optimization techniques available in Cadence Innovus for achieving design closure, including timing, area, power, and congestion optimizationsAbility to guide and mentor the team in resolving complex implementation challenges and providing structured solutionsTiming and ConstraintsStrong understanding of digital timing concepts including setup, hold, clock domain crossing CDC, and multi-mode multi-corner MMMC analysisAbility to analyze and validate design constraints SDC and understand their impact on timing closureExperience with industry-standard STA tools such as Cadence Tempus or equivalent for timing sign-offLayout Closure and Sign-offDemonstrated experience in achieving full layout closure for blocks, ensuring compliance with DRC Design Rule Check, LVS Layout vs. Schematic, Density requirements and Antenna violation fixesFamiliarity with physical verification tools and sign-off flows as per process technology specificationsTop-Level IntegrationGood understanding of top-level integration challenges and ability to ensure block-level deliverables meet project-level requirements for both timing and layout closuresExperience in managing block-to-top handoffs and resolving integration-level issues effectivelyDomain KnowledgeStrong foundation in VLSI design, digital electronics, and semiconductor device fundamentalsGood understanding of digital design timing closure principles and methodologiesKnowledge of semiconductor fabrication and process technology will be a distinct added advantageFamiliarity with Intel process technology or advanced node design environments is a plusSoft Skills and Behavioral CompetenciesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured approach to debugging complex physical design issuesProactive and transparent communication style with the ability to articulate technical challenges and solutions clearly to stakeholdersCollaborative mindset with demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse, cross-functional, and geographically distributed team environmentAbility to work across multiple domains including design, CAD, and EDA vendor teamsLeadership and ExperienceLeadership experience in driving block-level closure and physical design sign-off for tape-out is strongly preferredDemonstrated track record of silicon success having contributed to or led designs that have been successfully taped out and validated in silicon is highly desirable

Job Type:Experienced Hire

Shift:Shift 1 (India)

Primary Location: India, Bangalore

Additional Locations:

Posting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.Position of TrustN/A

Work Model for this Role

This role will require an on-site presence.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.