CPU Physical Design Engineer

IC Resources; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

IC Resources is seeking a Phsyical Design Engineer to drive end-to-end CPU block implementation on cutting-edge nodes. You will collaborate with RTL, architecture and methodology teams to optimize performance, power and area while meeting aggressive project schedules.

The role requires hands-on experience with floorplanning, CTS, place-and-route and sign-off, plus scripting in TCL, Python, or Perl to enhance flows and automation. A strong background in ASIC/CPU/SoC physical design is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Computer Engineering.
• Proven hands-on experience in physical design for ASIC/CPU/SoC.
• Experience across floorplanning, placement and routing, CTS and sign-off.
• Familiar with Innovus, ICC2, Fusion Compiler (or equivalent).
• Strong scripting skills with TCL, Python or Perl.

Responsibilities

• Drive physical implementation of CPU blocks from synthesis to sign-off.
• Own floorplanning, power planning, placement, CTS and routing.
• Collaborate with RTL, architecture, STA and methodology teams to optimize performance, power and area.
• Identify and resolve timing, congestion, power, and DRC/LVS issues.
• Develop automation and flows using TCL, Python or Perl.
• Support design closure across advanced process technologies.
• Work with cross-functional teams to deliver silicon on aggressive schedules.

Skills

Physical design

Floorplanning

Place & route

Timing closure

Power/area optimization

Scripting (TCL/Python/Perl)

Education

Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Computer Engineering degree

Tools

Innovus

ICC2

Fusion Compiler

Job description

A leading innovator in next-generation compute architectures, developing high-performance, power-efficient CPU technology on the most advanced process nodes, is looking for an experienced Physical Design Engineer to join its growing team. You will play a key role in the implementation of cutting-edge CPU IP within a world-class engineering organisation.

This is an opportunity to work alongside highly experienced engineers on complex CPU cores, contributing to the full physical design flow while helping to drive methodology improvements and achieve industry-leading PPA targets on advanced technology nodes.

In this role, you will:

• Drive the physical implementation of advanced CPU blocks from synthesis through to sign-off
• Take ownership of key physical design activities including floorplanning, power planning, placement, clock tree synthesis, routing and physical verification
• Work closely with RTL, architecture, STA and methodology teams to optimise designs for performance, power and area
• Analyse and resolve timing, congestion, power and DRC/LVS issues throughout the implementation cycle
• Develop and enhance automation, flows and methodologies using TCL, Python or Perl scripting
• Support design closure across advanced process technologies and contribute to best practices for future projects
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality silicon on aggressive project schedules

Ideal background

Candidates are likely to have:

• A degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related discipline
• Strong hands-on experience in Physical Design for complex ASIC or CPU/SoC designs
• Experience across the full implementation flow including floorplanning, place and route, CTS and physical sign-off
• Familiarity with industry-standard EDA tools such as Innovus, ICC2, Fusion Compiler or equivalent
• Good understanding of timing closure, power optimisation and physical verification methodologies
• Strong scripting skills with TCL, Python or Perl

This position offers the opportunity to work on industry-leading CPU technology, advanced process nodes and challenging technical problems within a highly respected engineering environment.