Analog CAD Engineer: SPICE Automation for Mixed‑Signal

Apple Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking an Analog Simulation/Env Automation CAD Engineer to advance SPICE simulation flows across analog, RF, and microwave designs.

You will work with the design team, validate custom CAD tools, and automate simulation environments for faster, more reliable results. You will solve tool issues in ADE/XL/Maestro and drive improvements in SPICE modeling techniques while collaborating with layout and EDA vendors.

Qualifications

• BS degree and 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on SPICE simulation experience in analog/RF domains.
• Strong scripting and automation skills (Perl, Python, SKILL, Shell).
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot transistor-level analog/RF simulation issues in SPICE environments.
• Develop automation flows for analog CAD processes and validation.
• Assist designers and guide them through tool issues in ADE/XL/Maestro/OCEAN.
• Contribute to SPICE modeling techniques and CAD flow improvements.

Skills

SPICE simulation

Scripting: Perl

Scripting: Python

Scripting: SKILL

Scripting: Shell

Automation

Communication

3+ years experience

Education

BS degree

Tools

Cadence ADE

Spectre/Spectre RF

OCEAN

Job description

Analog Simulation/Env Automation CAD Engineer

Interested in how Apple designs the world’s most advanced silicon? Want to write software that helps create the next generation of processors and enables the next astonishing Apple innovation? There's no telling what you could accomplish at Apple! We’re looking for an engineer who will bring passion for hardware and strong programming skills to our team of CAD engineers. You’ll develop, maintain and enhance custom analog power intent methodology and circuit ERC solutions for transistor level analysis on Analog, RF and mixed-signal designs.In this role, you will have the opportunity to directly influence the circuit design on various technology nodes and develop CAD flows for analog circuit SPICE simulation, netlist, design environment, and analyze waveforms, results data processing. Your contributions will be instrumental in the analog, mixed-signal, and RF circuit design teams. You will lead and oversee efforts in developing and validating custom SPICE simulation flows, enhancing the custom design environment, and conducting results analysis. As you collaborate with layout design, technology, and third-party EDA tool vendors, your expertise will be invaluable in driving innovation and ensuring the success of these initiatives.

Description

In this highly visible role, your primary responsibilities will include:Solving issues related to transistor level simulations on Analog, RF and Microwave applications with Spice simulators on command-line and Virtuoso environment.Guide and assist designers in solving tool issues related to Analog Design Environment (ADE/XL, Maestro, OCEAN etc.) and develop automation flows.Steer Methodology on SPICE simulation and modeling techniques related to circuits, thereby influencing the advancement of a variety of technology nodes.Architect and develop next generation in-house EDA CAD flow solutions related to Analog and Mixed-signal simulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in SPICE simulation and design environment to handle flow/tool issues in Analog/RF circuit domain.
• Programming/scripting skills in Perl, Python, TCL, SKILL language, or Shell. Ability to provide automations for rapid and dynamic design needs.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to collaborate well with cross-functional teams.
• Minimum requirement of BS degree and 10+ years of relevant industry experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of circuit simulations with Analog/RFIC design and/or related CAD/automation support areas involving various technology nodes and tape out.
• Experience with Cadence ADE environment including knowledge of Virtuoso Schematic Editor, PDK, CDF, Callbacks, Netlisting, Virtuoso Analog Design Environment (ADE-L/XL/GXL/Maestro), OCEAN tools.
• Knowledge of Spice simulators, including Spectre, Spectre RF, Solido/AFS, Hspice, ADS, GoldenGate, AMS Designer, XA, Hsim, and FineSim.
• Ability to solve simulation accuracy, speed and capacity issues. Knowledge of AC, DC, Tran, Harmonic Balance, S-parameters, Periodic noise, PSS simulations.
• Experience in device level SOA checks, ERC asserts, statistical simulations using Monte Carlo, PVT and Reliability/aging analysis involving Self-Heating is a plus.
• Experience in evaluating simulation and environment related CAD tool/product applications and driving EDA vendors to meet design requirements.
• Understand custom IC designs, and knowledge of Post-layout DSPF/SPF extraction. Knowledge of behavioral RTL/AMS circuits, experience in Verilog- A/AMS. Knowledge of PDK and spice models qualification.
• Efficient programming skills in SKILL language, Python, Perl, TCL, or Shell. Ability to provide automations for rapid and dynamic design needs. Knowledge in Perforce and/or regressions is preferred.
• Ability to drive a software development team to develop novel and complex applications

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.