Principal High-Speed Analog Layout Design Engineer

Celero Communications, Inc.; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Celero Communications, Inc. is seeking a Principal High-Speed Analog Layout Design Engineer to lead the layout of complex analog/mixed-signal IP blocks for next‑gen optical communication systems in Ottawa.

You will mentor junior engineers and collaborate with CAD/PDK teams to ensure first‑pass silicon success. In this hands‑on role, you will drive floorplanning, LVS/DRC checks, and layout verification using industry tools, while guiding cross‑functional teams across time zones and contributing

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on analog/mixed-signal layout design experience in advanced CMOS/FinFET technologies
• Proven track record of top-level integration IP layout macros or full-chip layout at FinFET nodes
• Experience leading IP layout macros or full-chip layouthandoff to Physical Design

Responsibilities

• Lead and own the physical layout design of complex analog/mixed-signal macros from floor planning through verification
• Collaborate with schematic designers to optimize layouts for performance, matching, symmetry and reliability
• Mentor junior layout engineers and contractors across multiple time zones
• Perform LVS, DRC, PERC, ERC and signoff checks using industry-standard tools
• Contribute to chip-level planning including top-level floor planning and power grid design
• Lead layout design reviews and set layout quality and schedule expectations
• Support automation initiatives through scripting (Python/TCL) and tool customization

Skills

Analog layout

Mixed-signal

Cadence Virtuoso

LVS/DRC

Floor planning

Mentoring

Power integrity

Layout verification

Python scripting

Tools

Calibre

Pegasus

Job description

Principal High-Speed Analog Layout Design Engineer

Celero Communications is a fast-growing semiconductor startup developing high-performance coherent DSP technology for next-generation AI infrastructure. We recently announced a $275M Series C following the validation of the industry’s first 2nm coherent DSP silicon. Bloomberg also reported that Alphabet’s CapitalG has backed Celero at a $3B valuation. As we continue to grow, we’re hiring exceptional talent across the United States, Canada, and Argentina for a variety of exciting opportunities.

We are seeking a High-Speed Analog Layout Design Engineer to drive the layout design of complex analog and mixed-signal IP blocks that are at the heart of our advanced optical communication systems. As a key member of the Analog & Mixed-Signal (AMS) design team, you will lead layout development of critical blocks such as ADCs, DACs, PLLs, and other high-performance analog/mixed-signal circuits. You will interface closely with circuit designers, CAD/PDK teams, and other layout engineers to ensure first-pass silicon success. This is a hands-on technical role ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys mentoring others while contributing directly to cutting-edge chip development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and own the physical layout design of complex analog/mixed-signal macros (e.g., ADCs, DACs, PLLs), from floor planning through final verification
• Collaborate closely with schematic designers to create optimal layout solutions considering performance, matching, symmetry, and reliability
• Mentor and guide junior layout engineers/contractors across multiple time zones, enforcing best practices in layout design and verification
• Perform and debug full hierarchy LVS, DRC, PERC, ERC, and other signoff checks using industry-standard tools (Pegasus, Calibre, etc.)
• Contribute to chip-level planning including top-level floor planning, block integration, power grid implementation, and signal routing
• Participate in layout design reviews and provide technical leadership for layout quality, verification completeness, and schedule adherence
• Support automation initiatives through scripting and tool customization (SKILL, TCL, Python is a plus)

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of hands-on analog/mixed-signal layout design experience and in advanced CMOS/FinFET technologies
• Proven track record of top-level integration IP layout macros and preparing IPs for handoff to Physical Design
• Proven leadership in owning major IP layout macros or full-chip-level layout at FinFET nodes (TSMC preferred)
• At least 1 year of experience with TSMC FinFET process nodes (N3, N5, N7, or N16)
• Deep understanding of device physics, layout-dependent effects (LOD, WPE, OSE, LDE, etc.), and their impact on circuit performance
• Strong expertise in layout best practices for device matching, noise isolation, ESD protection, symmetry, and parasitic minimization
• Proficiency in floor planning, hierarchical block integration, routing strategy, and power/ground grid design
• Expertise with Cadence Virtuoso, Calibre, Pegasus, and other layout and verification tools
• Familiarity with layout verification flows, including LVS, DRC, PERC, Density, DFM, ERC, and Antenna rules
• Experience working in collaborative environments with international and remote teams
• Strong documentation and communication skills with the ability to clearly present layout trade-offs and status to cross-functional teams
• Experience using revision control systems for layout design management

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to optical or high-speed analog interfaces is a strong plus
• Working knowledge of SKILL, TCL, or Python for layout automation or design flow optimization
• Proven ability to collaborate with international teams (U.S., Canada, Argentina)
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proactive, eager-to-learn mindset with excellent problem-solving skills

What We Offer

• The chance to play a foundational role at a high-growth semiconductor start-up
• Exposure to a wide variety of cross functional teams
• A collaborative, international team culture where ideas and initiative are valued
• The opportunity to grow alongside Celero as we scale and shape the future of our industry
• A foundational role at a fast-growing semiconductor start-up shaping the future of AI and data center connectivity

Voluntary Self-Identification

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As set forth in Celero Communications, Inc.’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

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A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

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An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.