Gate-level SigEM/SEB/FIT CAD Engineer

Apple, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Education reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Medical coverage

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Sunnyvale, CA seeks a highly motivated engineer to contribute to EM/SEB/thermal analysis methodologies for gate- and transistor-level designs. You will help automate CAD flows, run simulations, and support verification tasks across clock trees and high-speed data paths.

Ideal candidates hold a BS/MS in EE, with strong VLSI foundations and scripting skills. Collaboration with Physical Design, Timing, and Power teams is essential; a growth mindset and curiosity about AI/ML in CAD/EDA

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Strong foundation in VLSI design and semiconductor physics.
• Experience with STA, SPICE, and parasitic extraction.
• Proficiency in Tcl, Python, or Perl.
• Internship or project experience in VLSI CAD/EDA flows.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing EM/SEB/thermal analysis methodologies and flows.
• Support 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 by triaging flow execution issues and gathering data.

Skills

VLSI design

Semiconductor physics

Circuit theory

Computer engineering

Tcl scripting

Python scripting

CAD methodologies

Team collaboration

Education

Electrical Engineering BS/MS

Tools

Voltus

RedHawk

Primetime

ICC2

Innovus

SPICE

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

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $129,300 and $194,700, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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 and 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.

Learn about accessibility in Apple's workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.