Gate-level SigEM/SEB/FIT CAD Engineer

Apple, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking a highly motivated engineer to join its CAD Group in Austin, focusing on electromigration, SEB, and thermal analysis for gate- and transistor-level designs. The role supports EM/SEB methodology development, flow automation, and verification scripting across clock trees and data nets.

Ideal candidates have a strong VLSI background, familiarity with CAD tools, and hands-on scripting skills. Collaboration with physical design, timing, and circuit teams is essential for success.

Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• Strong foundation in VLSI design, semiconductor physics, circuit theory, or computer engineering
• Proficiency in Tcl, Python, or Perl scripting
• Exposure to CAD/EDA flows and basic EM/thermal analysis concepts
• Familiarity with commercial EDA tools such as Voltus, RedHawk, Primetime, ICC2, Innovus, or SPICE simulators

Responsibilities

• Assist in development, testing, and deployment of EM/SEB/thermal analysis methodologies and flows
• Support automation, maintenance, and regression testing of CAD flows
• Run, validate, and debug simulation and verification runs on benchmark and production designs
• Develop and maintain verification scripts and rule checks for clock trees and high-speed nets
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to triage flow execution issues and gather data

Skills

VLSI design fundamentals

Scripting (Tcl/Python/Perl)

EDA tool familiarity

Collaboration & communication

Problem solving

Education

BS/MS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Voltus

RedHawk

Primetime

ICC2

Innovus

SPICE simulators

Job description

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming phenomenal products very quickly. Do you want to bring passion and dedication to your job? There's no telling what you could accomplish at Apple. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices - we continue to strengthen our commitment to leave the world better than we found it!As an emerging member of our best-in-class CAD Group, you will be part of building innovative designs. You will leverage your strong engineering fundamentals in electrical engineering and computer science—paired with an eagerness to learn electromigration (EM), Statistical Electromigration Budgeting (SEB), Failure In Time (FIT), Self-Heating Effect (SHE), and thermal analysis—to assist in developing, maintaining, and refining methodologies and flows for gate-level as well as transistor-level designs. You will support tasks spanning IP / SOC signal EM analysis for clock and data nets, SOC FIT budget verification, power-grid EM checks, and flow automation. Are you ready to join some of the world's leading engineers, and help us deliver the next generation of ground-breaking Apple products?

Description

In this visible role, your primary responsibilities will include:

• Assist senior engineers in the development, testing, and deployment of EM/SEB/thermal analysis methodologies and flows
• Support the automation, maintenance, and regression testing of CAD flows from setup through sign-off
• Help run, validate, and debug simulation and verification runs on benchmark and production designs
• Assist in developing and maintaining verification scripts and rule checks for clock trees, high-speed data paths, and critical signal nets
• Partner with senior team members to support cross-functional teams (Physical Design, Timing, Circuit Design, Power) by triaging flow execution issues and gathering data

Minimum Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong academic foundation in VLSI design, semiconductor physics, circuit theory, or computer engineering
• Basic understanding of electromigration (EM) mechanisms, heating effects, current density, or chip reliability concepts
• Exposure to fundamental concepts in static timing analysis (STA), circuit simulation (SPICE), parasitic extraction, or physical design principles
• Proficiency in at least one of Tcl, Python, or Perl scripting languages
• High motivation, strong problem-solving abilities, and eagerness to learn complex CAD methodologies
• Prior internship, co-op, or academic research experience in VLSI design, CAD/EDA flow development, or chip reliability
• Familiarity or hands-on exposure to commercial EDA tools (e.g., Voltus, RedHawk, Primetime, ICC2, Innovus, or SPICE simulators) through coursework or projects is a plus
• Curiosity about or coursework in AI/ML applications in CAD/EDA workflows
• Proactive attitude with a demonstrated ability to learn quickly under mentorship and guidance
• Strong collaboration and communication skills

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.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.