CPU Physical Design Engineer: RTL Feasibility & PPA

NUVACORE; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

NUVACORE is building ground-up high performance, low-power CPU for next-generation compute workloads. As a CPU Physical Design (PD) Engineer, you will lead RTL feasibility studies and drive PPA outcomes to ensure timing closure and power optimization.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams across CPU units, CAD, RTL, and performance modeling, and own the RTL intake process to ensure design readiness before RTL handoff.

Qualifications

• BS or MS with 12+ years experience for Lead roles or 5+ years for Individual Contributor roles in CPU physical design.
• Strong foundation in CPU micro-architecture concepts and design principles.
• Experience in CPU RTL feasibility, including RTL synthesis and floor planning.
• Deep expertise in timing analysis and timing ECO.
• Proficiency with Synopsys or Cadence EDA tools for PD in CPU design context.
• Demonstrated history of successful production tape-outs.
• Track record of driving PPA optimization for CPU units through RTL feedback and cross-functional collaboration.
• Comprehensive understanding of end-to-end physical design closure across all sign-off domains.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build processes and infrastructure from the ground up

Responsibilities

• Lead RTL/micro-architecture feasibility studies, providing actionable feedback to design teams.
• Drive PPA outcomes for CPU units with a focus on timing closure and power optimization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with CPU unit owners, custom circuit designers, CAD, RTL/micro-architecture, and performance modeling teams.
• Own the RTL intake process for the PD team, enforcing quality standards and ensuring design readiness before RTL handoff.

Skills

CPU PD experience

RTL feasibility

Timing analysis

PPA optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Automation scripting (Python, Perl, &)

Education

BS/MS in EE/CS or related

Tools

Synopsys/Cadence EDA tools

Job description

NUVACORE is building ground-up high performance, low-power CPU for next-generation compute workloads. As a CPU Physical Design (PD) Engineer, you will lead RTL feasibility studies and drive PPA outcomes to ensure timing closure and power optimization.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams across CPU units, CAD, RTL, and performance modeling, and own the RTL intake process to ensure design readiness before RTL handoff.