Director, Ultra-Low-Power MCU Physical Design

Ambiq; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 230,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Ambiq, based in Austin, seeks a Director of Physical Design to lead the physical implementation org for ultra-low-power MCU products. You will guide a global team across floorplanning, CTS, P&R, and sign-off, partnering with architecture, RTL, analog mixed-signal, and production to deliver robust silicon.

The role emphasizes first-silicon success, tight PPA targets, and scalable processes for high-volume embedded applications.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in physical design for complex SoCs.
• At least 5 years in leadership roles.
• Proven track record delivering multiple chips to production.
• Deep expertise in low power design techniques (UPF, clock gating, multi‑Vt, power gating, DVFS, retention).
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the physical design strategy for ultra‑low‑power MCU product lines.
• Lead and mentor a global physical design team.
• Oversee full‑chip and block‑level physical design: floorplanning, power planning, CTS, P&R, timing closure, DRC/LVS, sign‑off.
• Collaborate with architecture, RTL, analog/mixed‑signal, verification, and product engineering to ensure manufacturability and yield.
• Own physical design schedules, resource planning, and risk management; drive tape-out readiness.

Skills

Low power design

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

MCU architectures

Sign-off processes

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Synopsys

Cadence

Mentor

Job description

Ambiq, based in Austin, seeks a Director of Physical Design to lead the physical implementation org for ultra-low-power MCU products. You will guide a global team across floorplanning, CTS, P&R, and sign-off, partnering with architecture, RTL, analog mixed-signal, and production to deliver robust silicon.

The role emphasizes first-silicon success, tight PPA targets, and scalable processes for high-volume embedded applications.