CPU Physical Design Engineer

Apple Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking aCPU block-level physical design engineer in Santa Clara, CA. You will drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence using logic synthesis and PNR, delivering block-level PD with backend closure and yield improvements.

You will collaborate with CAD and PD teams on tool features and optimizations, plus work with cross-functional teams on floorplanning, timing, power, reliability, and testability for complex CPU designs.

Qualifications

• BS degree or equivalent with 10+ years in CPU design or related field.
• Strong experience in logic design and digital circuits.
• Proficiency in Perl or TCL scripting.

Responsibilities

• Drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence through logic synthesis and PNR.
• Deliver block-level physical design with backend closure and yield improvements.
• Collaborate with CAD and PD teams on tool features and optimizations.
• Collaborate on CPU floorplanning, timing, power, reliability, testability.
• Work with IP teams to optimize memory macros and standard cells.

Skills

10+ years of experience

Logic design

Digital circuits

Perl or TCL scripting

Tools

Synthesis tools

Place & Route tools

STA tools

Power analysis tools

Job description

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there’s no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, hard‑working people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products! The same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it. Join us to help deliver groundbreaking Apple products!Apple’s Silicon Engineering Group (SEG) is hiring hardworking engineers for CPU block‑level physical design.

Description

• Drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence through logic synthesis and place‑and‑route tools targeting ambitious PPA goals
• Be responsible for block‑level physical design delivery along with closure of backend flows, electrical requirements and improving silicon yield
• Work closely with internal CAD and PD methodology teams on industry‑standard synthesis/PNR tool features and optimizations and their adoption in CPU design
• Collaborate with cross‑functional top‑level teams on the aspects of CPU floorplan, timing, power, reliability, and testability
• Work closely with custom IP teams to define and co‑optimize memory macros, library standard cells to improve design PPA

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience
• Experience in logic design and digital circuits
• Experience with Perl or TCL

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in low power, high frequency physical design techniques leveraging advanced syn/PNR tool features, and best in class physical design methodology
• Experience using industry standard logic synthesis, PnR, STA and power analysis tools, along with timing budgeting, floor‑planning, physical integration, and verification to converge complex designs
• Knowledge in deep sub‑micron technology, along with its implications to timing, power, and area
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and/or lead a physical design partition in collaboration with cross‑functional teams

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

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools.

By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.