EDA Methodology Architect

NVIDIA; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 264,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

NVIDIA is seeking a Senior P&R Methodology Architect to define and own the next-generation RTL2GDS flow for advanced nodes in Santa Clara, California. This role requires deep hands-on experience across the full RTL2GDS flow, with responsibilities including defining optimization problems, rolling out next-gen flows, and collaborating across teams.

Candidates should have at least 8 years of physical design experience and a strong command of industry-standard tools. The position offers a competitive salary range of $168,000 to $264,500 for Level 4 and $196,000 to $310,500 for Level 5, along with equity and benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years physical design experience with industry-standard tools.
• Extensive hands-on P&R experience taking designs to tape-out.
• Strong problem-solving and self-motivation skills.

Responsibilities

• Define next-gen flows and optimize design methodologies.
• Develop Python-based analytics for flow performance improvements.
• Collaborate with multiple technical teams as a key leader.

Skills

Physical design experience

Expertise in ICC2/Innovus

Proven skills in Python, Perl, TCL

Problem-solving skills

Communication and collaboration skills

Education

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science

Tools

ICC2

Innovus

PrimeTime

Tempus

Job description

NVIDIA's success builds on a foundation of industry leading hardware. We achieve distinction through extensive design optimization, including combining the best of external EDA with highly optimized, internal EDA tools. Our team develops these tools by fusing advances in parallel computing, machine learning, and specialized algorithms for VLSI design.

We are seeking a Senior P&R Methodology Architect to define and own the next generation RTL2GDS flow for advanced nodes (3nm and below) and high performance GPU, CPU and SoC designs. You should have deep, hands‑on experience across the full RTL2GDS flow, with expertise in key stages such as RTL, DFT, synthesis, placement, optimization, CTS, routing, and signoff. Creativity and self‑drive to explore is required. Our engineers enjoy unusually high intellectual freedom and the ability to explore broad roles. If you like to work across many technical areas and see your successes directly realized in the world's best AI hardware, it does not get any better than this!

What you’ll be doing:

• Working directly with core P&R engine developers to define real‑world optimization problems, shape requirements and roadmaps, and provide detailed feedback on engine behavior, QoR, and scalability.
• Defining and rolling out next‑gen flows, including refactoring legacy flows and consolidating ad‑hoc solutions into scalable, maintainable frameworks used across multiple design teams.
• Designing and running rigorous A/B and multi‑variant experiments to compare flows, engines, and tool settings. Developing Python‑based analytics and ML/GenAI techniques to mine large QoR datasets, recommend flow settings, and automate analysis.
• Performing deep root‑cause analysis on QoR issues across engines, tools, and flows, and driving methodologies to resolve the “long tail” of timing closure and performance limiters.
• Partnering with architecture, RTL, DFT, synthesis, physical design, power, signoff, and CAD/methodology teams as a key technical leader and bridge.
• Driving aggressive PPA and schedule targets and the adoption of new tools and flows across the company.

What we need to see:

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years physical design experience, with deep expertise in industry standard tools like ICC2/Innovus, PrimeTime/Tempus, etc.
• Extensive hands‑on P&R experience taking complex blocks or chips to tape‑out with aggressive PPA targets.
• Proven skills in Python, Perl, and TCL flow development.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and self‑motivation, demonstrated by simplifying complex, cluttered environments and modernizing legacy tools and processes.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of driving consensus and solving complex issues across distributed design, CAD, and R&D teams.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Experience collaborating with EDA or internal R&D teams on core engine development, co‑defining features, developing benchmarks and leading validation and deployment.
• Expertise in designing and automating A/B tests and large‑scale regressions, and analyzing large QoR datasets to understand trends and drive root‑cause analysis.
• Background in advanced‑node and large‑scale designs with exposure to advanced‑node challenges (DFM, variability, EM/IR, power integrity).
• Hands‑on experience applying AI/ML or GenAI to physical design, QoR analysis, or flow development will be a strong plus.

If working hands‑on from early architecture and RTL through silicon, and serving as the connector between core developers, methodology teams, and users, excites you, we want to hear from you.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD for Level 4, and 196,000 USD - 310,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.