Lead Physical Design Manager - Tapeout & PPA

Normal Computing Corporation; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Normal Computing is building an expert Physical Design team in Palo Alto to drive end-to-end silicon realization from synthesis to tapeout. You will lead the PD team, coordinate with RTL/architecture/DFT, and push aggressive PPA targets while ensuring robust signoff and post-silicon support.

As a seasoned leader, you will refine floorplanning, CTS, P&R, and signoff processes, mentor engineers, and deliver tapeouts on schedule in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Qualifications

• Lead at least 3+ successful tapeouts from netlist to signoff.
• Deep hands-on experience with PD tools for floorplanning, P&R, CTS, and signoff.
• Strong debugging skills for STA bottlenecks, IR/EM, crosstalk, and DRC/LVS issues.
• Ability to collaborate with RTL, architecture, and DFT teams for feasibility.
• 7+ years of managerial experience in hardware design.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership of the PD team, including hiring and coaching.
• Create work estimates and schedules to support tapeout.
• Specify and negotiate EDA tools to support the design flow.
• Collaborate with RTL, architecture, and DFT on floorplanning and feasibility.
• Lead netlist-to-GDSII physical design flow end-to-end.
• Own STA timing closure across corners and modes.
• Drive optimization for power, area, and signal integrity.
• Execute tapeout checklists and post-silicon support.

Skills

Tapeout track record

PD flow expertise

Backend debugging instincts

Cross-functional feasibility

Managerial experience

Tools

Innovus

IC Compiler II

Tempus

PrimeTime

Pegasus

Calibre

Job description

Normal Computing is building an expert Physical Design team in Palo Alto to drive end-to-end silicon realization from synthesis to tapeout. You will lead the PD team, coordinate with RTL/architecture/DFT, and push aggressive PPA targets while ensuring robust signoff and post-silicon support.

As a seasoned leader, you will refine floorplanning, CTS, P&R, and signoff processes, mentor engineers, and deliver tapeouts on schedule in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.