NPU/AI Processor Synthesis Lead

Qualcomm; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm India Private Limited in Bengaluru is seeking an NPU Synthesis Lead to drive RTL-to-gate synthesis and timing closure for Neural Processing Unit IP within cutting-edge SoCs. You will optimize performance, power, and area while collaborating with architecture, RTL, and physical design teams to ensure high-quality netlists.

The role requires leading synthesis flows, maintaining scripts, and mentoring engineers, with a focus on QoR improvements through advanced EDA techniques and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/EE or related field with 3+ years hardware experience.
• Master's degree in CS/EE or related field with 2+ years hardware experience.
• PhD in CS/EE or related field with 1+ year hardware experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead RTL-to-gate synthesis for NPU IP and subsystems using industry tools.
• Drive pre- and post-layout timing closure across corners.
• Apply physical-aware synthesis to meet PPA targets and implement UPF/CPF flows.
• Validate and maintain SDC constraints for clocks and delays.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices in synthesis and timing.
• Perform LEC, CLP, and linting checks and push QoR improvements.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Job Area

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Hardware Engineering

Company

Qualcomm India Private Limited

General Summary

The NPU Synthesis Lead will be responsible for driving synthesis and timing closure for Neural Processing Unit (NPU) IP and subsystems in cutting-edge SoCs. This role involves leading synthesis flows, optimizing for PPA (Performance, Power, Area), and collaborating with architecture, RTL, and physical design teams to ensure high-quality netlists for advanced technology nodes.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesis Ownership
  • Lead RTL-to-gate-level synthesis for NPU IP and subsystems using industry-standard tools (Synopsys Design Compiler, Cadence Genus).
  • Develop and maintain synthesis scripts and flows for hierarchical and flat designs.
• Timing Closure
  • Drive pre-layout and post-layout timing closure across multiple voltage and process corners.
  • Collaborate with STA teams to resolve setup/hold violations.
• Power & Area Optimization
  • Apply physical-aware synthesis techniques to meet aggressive PPA targets.
  • Implement low-power strategies using UPF/CPF flows.
• Constraint Management
  • Validate and maintain SDC constraints for clocks, I/O delays, multi-cycle paths, and false paths.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with RTL design, DFT, and physical design teams for seamless handoff.
  • Provide feedback to architecture and RTL teams for QoR improvements.
• Quality Checks
  • Perform LEC (Logical Equivalence Check), CLP (Clock/Power checks), and linting.
• Flow Innovation
  • Explore advanced synthesis methodologies and EDA tool capabilities for better QoR.
• Team Leadership
  • Mentor junior engineers and drive best practices across synthesis and timing teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 3+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.
• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.

Applicants

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail [e-mail] or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).

Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.

To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies

Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.