CPU Physical Design (RTL to GDS)

NUVACORE; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

NUVACORE is building high-performance, low-power CPUs for next-generation compute workloads. As a CPU Physical Design engineer, you will evaluate RTL/µ-arch designs, drive design closure from RTL to tape-out, and coordinate with CAD and partner teams to ensure PPAs are met.

You will lead in defining tools/flows and drive PPA-focused design execution across CPU blocks while collaborating with teams to optimize timing and sign-off checks. Strong communication is essential for success.

Qualifications

• BS/MS with 5+ years (IC) or 12+ years (Lead) in CPU physical design.
• Proficient in industry-standard EDA tools.
• Proven track record delivering production-level designs through tape-out.
• Experience in PPA optimization across CPU units.
• End-to-end physical design closure across signoff domains.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate RTL and micro-Architecture designs, feasibility assessments.
• Drive end-to-end design closure from RTL to GDS/Tape-out to meet PPA commitments.
• Coordinate with CAD, RTL/µ-arch, and partner teams for seamless design execution.
• Lead and influence Tools, Flows, and Methodology to improve design efficiency.

Skills

Python

Perl

TCL

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Leadership

Education

BS or MS in EE/CS

Tools

EDA tools

Job description

Nuvacore is building ground-up high performance, low power CPU for next generation compute workloads. As a member of CPU - specific custom circuit design team, you will enable the design to achieve the target PPA Specifications for the product.

THE ROLE

As a CPU Physical Design (PD) Engineer, you will participate in the following :

• Responsible for evaluating RTL and micro-Architecture designs, providing feasibility assessments and actionable feedback.
• Responsible for driving end-to-end design closure from RTL to GDS/Tape-out, ensuring target PPAS (Power, Performance, Area & Schedule) commitments are met.
• Responsible for coordinating and aligning with CAD, RTL/µ-arch, and other partner teams to ensure seamless execution throughout the design cycle.
• Responsible for leading and influencing the definition and adoption of Tools, Flows, and Methodology (TFM) to drive design efficiency and establish team-wide best practices

MUST TO HAVE

• Hold a BS or MS degree with 12+ years of experience (for Lead roles) or 5+ years of experience (for Individual Contributor roles) in CPU physical design.
• Proficient in industry-standard EDA tools with experience applied to CPU design workflows.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering production-level designs through tape-out.
• Proven experience in PPA optimization across CPU units and design blocks.
• Deep understanding of end-to-end physical design closure, spanning all signoff domains
• Well-versed in timing constraints for both Functional and DFT (Design for Test) modes.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Requirements — Nice To Have

• Possess substantial years of experience in CPU unit-level implementation
• Demonstrate ability to translate architectural intent into physical design decisions.
• Bring proven experience in PPA-focused design execution for CPUs, including hands-on tool optimization to achieve power, performance, and area targets.
• Hold a deep understanding of Physical Design (PD) signoff checks and methodologies, including FEV, VCLP, EM/IR, STA/EXT, and associated closure flows.
• Exhibit thoroughness and precision in ECO (Engineering Change Order) flows.
• Proficient in Python, Perl, or TCL to enhance design productivity and flow efficiency
• Experience in using Agentic AI tools for productivity and automation.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.