Library Characterization Engineer

Microchip Technology Inc.; Rousset-Serre-Ponçon; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Microchip Technology Inc. seeks a skilled Standard Cell Library Characterization Engineer to join the IP development team. You will characterize libraries across multiple nodes, delivering silicon-accurate timing, power, and noise models for successful SoC design closure.

You will generate Liberty models, develop feature-rich characterization flows, and validate results with SPICE simulations, while collaborating with circuit designers to resolve correlation issues and accelerate delivery.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Strong understanding of CMOS circuit design and timing arcs.
• Experience with Liberty syntax and LVF modeling.
• Proficiency in Python, TCL, Perl or Shell scripting.
• Hands-on experience with standard cell characterization and SPICE tools.

Responsibilities

• Characterize standard cell libraries for timing, power, and noise across PVT corners.
• Generate and validate Liberty (.lib) models for synthesis and STA flows.
• Develop and maintain characterization tool flows using Cadence Liberate and Synopsys tools.
• Run SPICE simulations (HSPICE, FineSim, Spectre) for cell-level characterization.
• QA validation and cross-functional debugging of correlation issues.
• Support LVF characterization for advanced nodes and automate workflows.
• Collaborate with circuit designers to improve accuracy and deliver on time.

Skills

CMOS circuit design

Timing analysis

Liberty / LVF modeling

Python scripting

TCL / Shell scripting

Debugging / analytical skills

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Cadence Liberate

Synopsys SiliconSmart

PrimeLib

HSPICE / FineSim / Spectre

Job description

Are you looking for a unique opportunity to be a part of something great? Want to join a 17,000-member team that works on the technology that powers the world around us? Looking for an atmosphere of trust, empowerment, respect, diversity, and communication? How about an opportunity to own a piece of a multi-billion dollar (with a B!) global organization? We offer all that and more at Microchip Technology Inc. People come to work at Microchip because we help design the technology that runs the world. They stay because our culture supports their growth and stability. They are challenged and driven by an incredible array of products and solutions with unlimited career potential. Microchip’s nationally-recognized Leadership Passage Programs support career growth where we proudly enroll over a thousand people annually. We take pride in our commitment to employee development, values-based decision making, and strong sense of community, driven by our Vision, Mission, and 11 Guiding Values; we affectionately refer to it as the Aggregate System and it’s won us countless awards for diversity and workplace excellence. Our company is built by dedicated team players who love to challenge the status quo; we did not achieve record revenue and over 30 years of quarterly profitability without a great team dedicated to empowering innovation. People like you. Visit our careers page to see what exciting opportunities and company perks await!

Job Description: We are seeking a skilled Standard Cell Library Characterization Engineer to join our IP development team. In this role, you will be responsible for characterizing standard cell libraries across multiple process nodes, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, silicon-correlated timing, power, and noise models that enable successful SoC design closure. You will work at the intersection of circuit design, EDA tooling, and advanced semiconductor process technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Library Characterization: Characterize standard cell libraries for timing, power, noise, and signal integrity across multiple PVT (Process, Voltage, Temperature) corners.
• Model Generation: Generate and validate Liberty (.lib) models for use in synthesis, STA, and place-and-route flows.
• Tool Flow Development: Develop, maintain, and enhance characterization flows using industry-standard tools such as Cadence Liberate, Synopsys SiliconSmart/PrimeLib.
• SPICE Simulation: Run and debug HSPICE / FineSim / Spectre simulations for cell-level characterization.
• Quality Assurance: Perform QA validation.
• Statistical Characterization: Support LVF (Liberty Variation Format) for advanced nodes.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with circuit designers to debug correlation issues.
• Automation: Develop scripts and automation infrastructure in Python, Perl, TCL, or Shell to streamline characterization, validation, and release flows.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Skills: Understanding of CMOS circuit design, timing arcs, and cell behavior (combinational, sequential…) Liberty syntax, NLDM/CCS/LVF modeling, and timing/power semantics.
• Familiarity with STA concepts, including setup/hold, recovery/removal, CCS noise.
• Scripting expertise in Python, TCL, Perl, or Shell.
• Strong analytical and debugging skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple library deliverables in parallel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for cross-functional collaboration.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to quality and on-time delivery.
• Preferred Qualifications Experience with complex sequential cells (e.g., retention, multi-bit, ultra-low-power, high-performance).
• Experience with machine learning–based characterization acceleration techniques.
• Knowledge of EM/IR analysis and reliability modeling.
• Experience Hands-on experience in standard cell characterization or closely related circuit design roles.

Travel Time: 0% - 25%

At Microchip, employees are our greatest strength. As one of the top performing semiconductor companies in the world, we are led by a set of guiding values and a mission to empower innovation to enhance the human experience. We work tirelessly to create a company culture that highlights how important every employee is to our mission.