Associate Engineer, Physical Design

Semtech; Aguascalientes; Hybrid; MXN 201,000 - 335,000; Full time

Job summary

Semtech is seeking an ASIC/Layout Design Engineer 1 to perform basic physical design and layout activities, supporting layout development and assisting with verification in our semiconductor environment.

The role requires fundamental understanding of layout principles, attention to detail, and collaboration with design teams to ensure proper placement, routing, and DFM checks across manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
• 0–2 years of ASIC layout or physical design experience.
• Basic knowledge of semiconductor layout principles.
• Experience with EDA tools and design environments.
• Familiarity with IC layout verification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support physical layout of standard cells, memory blocks, and basic circuit elements.
• Assist with layout implementation from schematics and specifications.
• Help with placement and routing of components and interconnects.
• Support floorplanning and power distribution network development.
• Maintain layout documentation and design files.
• Assist with DRC and LVS verification.
• Document verification results and issue resolutions.
• Prepare layout data for manufacturing and DFM checks.
• Assist with tape-out activities and data transfer.
• Maintain design databases and version control.

Skills

ASIC physical design

Layout

Schematic-to-layout understanding

Attention to detail

Reading design specs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field

Tools

EDA tools

Layout verification software

Job description

ASIC/Layout Design Engineer 1

Position Summary: The ASIC/Layout Design Engineer 1 position is responsible for performing basic physical design and layout activities within
our semiconductor company. This position supports ASIC layout development, assists with physical verification, and helps implement design components.
The role requires fundamental understanding of semiconductor layout principles, technical skills, and attention to detail to support the development of
integrated circuit physical designs in the complex semiconductor environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Layout Design Support (30%):

• Support physical layout of standard cells, memory blocks, and basic circuit elements
• Assist with implementation of layout designs based on schematics and specifications
• Help with placement and routing of components and interconnects
• Support floorplanning and power distribution network development
• Maintain layout documentation and design files

Physical Verification Support (25%):

• Assist with design rule checking (DRC) and layout vs. schematic (LVS) verification
• Support resolution of basic physical verification issues
• Help with design rule violations identification and correction
• Participate in verification run setup and execution
• Document verification results and issue resolutions

Layout Data Preparation (15%):

• Support preparation of layout data for manufacturing
• Assist with design for manufacturing (DFM) checks and optimizations
• Help with mask data preparation and file generation
• Support tape-out activities and data transfer
• Maintain design databases and version control

Design Tool Support (10%):

• Support physical design tools and EDA environments
• Assist with design kit implementation and updates
• Help maintain layout libraries and technology files
• Support design flow execution and automation
• Assist with tool setup and configuration

Technology Migration Support (10%):

• Assist with layout migration between technology nodes
• Support porting of designs to new process technologies
• Help implement technology-specific design rules and constraints
• Participate in migration verification and validation
• Document process differences and layout adjustments

Technical Learning and Development (10%):

• Develop understanding of physical design principles and methodologies
• Learn semiconductor manufacturing processes and design rules
• Support implementation of layout best practices
• Participate in technical training and development activities
• Increase knowledge of semiconductor technologies and physical design approaches

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
• 0-2 years of experience in ASIC layout, physical design, or related role
• Basic knowledge of semiconductor design and layout principles
• Experience with EDA tools and design environments
• Familiarity with IC layout verification preferred

Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of ASIC physical design principles and layout methodologies
• Technical understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes and design rules
• Proficiency with physical design tools, verification software, and layout environments
• Attention to detail and accuracy in layout implementation
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Effective written and verbal technical communication abilities
• Basic problem-solving capabilities
• Understanding of schematic-to-layout correspondence and verification
• Ability to read and interpret design specifications and technical documentation
• Willingness to learn and develop physical design expertise
• Basic understanding of semiconductor devices and circuit operation a plus

Travel Requirements:

• Minimal travel required (less than 5% of time)
• May require occasional travel between company facilities

Level of Authority:

• Performs routine physical design tasks following established procedures
• Makes basic decisions regarding layout implementation and verification
• Escalates technical issues and design challenges to appropriate personnel
• Works under supervision with limited independent decision-making
• Follows established policies and procedures for physical design activities

Job Complexity:

• Performs routine physical design activities with clear guidelines and procedures
• Supports established layouts with defined parameters and specifications
• Works with standard layout components and structures
• Requires understanding of basic physical design concepts and semiconductor principles
• Expected to maintain accuracy while implementing layouts and running verifications
• Works with various engineering stakeholders on design projects
• Learns to identify layout issues and escalates appropriately

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