Physical Design Lead – Custom Silicon Management

Apple Inc.; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 167,000 - 296,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Physical Design Lead to manage and drive complex semiconductor projects within the Custom Silicon Management group.

You will lead technical engagements with silicon suppliers, improve PD flows, and ensure QoR excellence for Apple chips across multiple teams. The role requires deep hands-on PD experience, strong digital design knowledge, and proven leadership in tapeouts of complex chips.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Physical Design experience.
• Knowledge of digital design concepts.

Responsibilities

• Audit vendor PD flows and methodologies for any holes and set up issues.
• Suggest improvements to their methodology to optimize it to obtain the best QoR for Apple chips.
• Work closely with the internal teams like systems and program management to ensure that the vendor PD implementation team is meeting the design goals.
• Work closely with specialists from other teams like the packaging, process etc. to resolve any issues in the project which are in an area closely related to PD.
• Conduct periodic design reviews - with deep technical dives - to make sure the project is tracking to the schedule and maintaining a high quality of work.
• Review all the final PD, STA, SI, Electrical analysis reports and sign-off on them for tapeout approval.
• Provide post tapeout support to work on ECOs and debug, if required.
• Adhere to a strict and consistent standard of operation across all vendors and projects.
• Maintain a professional relationship with the vendor and yet walk the fine line to maintain the customer-vendor distance.

Skills

Physical design leadership

Digital design concepts

VLSI/HDL knowledge

Static timing analysis

Power and SI analysis

CAD tools familiarity

Tools

Cadence

Synopsys

Mentor

Atoptech

Job description

Physical Design Lead – Custom Silicon Management

Are you a leader and want to apply your engineering background to make big things happen? Can you influence, connect, get results and communicate effectively? Can you deliver on a predictable and dynamic schedule?The Custom Silicon Management Group provides critical custom silicon for all mobile products including iPhone, iPad, iPod, and AppleTV. We have an extraordinary opportunity for senior level engineers to drive and lead technical engagements between Apple and silicon suppliers working on groundbreaking technologies.We are looking for a remarkable Physical Design Lead to work with a highly hardworking Custom Silicon team at Apple to design and develop innovative chips for the coolest products. This position focuses specifically on supporting Physical Design and related activities for the chips.

Description

You will have the opportunity to integrate and come-up with new insights, as well as work with vendors to promote efficiency in the Silicon community and ensure high quality of the chips.

Responsibilities

• Audit vendor PD flows and methodologies for any holes and set up issues.
• Suggest improvements to their methodology to optimize it to obtain the best QoR for Apple chips.
• Work closely with the internal teams like systems and program management to ensure that the vendor PD implementation team is meeting the design goals.
• Work closely with specialists from other teams like the packaging, process etc. to resolve any issues in the project which are in an area closely related to PD.
• Conduct periodic design reviews - with deep technical dives - to make sure the project is tracking to the schedule and maintaining a high quality of work.
• Review all the final PD, STA, SI, Electrical analysis reports and sign-off on them for tapeout approval.
• Provide post tapeout support to work on ECOs and debug, if required.
• Adhere to a strict and consistent standard of operation across all vendors and projects.
• Maintain a professional relationship with the vendor and yet walk the fine line to maintain the customer-vendor distance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Physical Design experience.
• Knowledge of digital design concepts.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience leading physical design teams.
• Track record of having taped out a number of complex chips - from gates to GDS.
• Working knowledge of front-end design methodology including basic RTL coding, synthesis methodology, timing constraints generation, multiple clock domain handling, low power techniques.
• In depth practical, hands-on knowledge of the entire P&R methodology - including but not limited to - IO planning, ESD techniques, floor planning, power planning, clock tree synthesis, MCMM timing closure, routing, DFM techniques and physical verification.
• Working knowledge of at least one of the industry CAD tools - Cadence, Synopsys, Mentor or Atoptech.
• Proficient in Static Timing Analysis and the techniques used for timing closure and noise avoidance / fixing.
• Hands-on experience in Power and Signal Integrity analysis.
• Ability to debug and fix LVS, DRC, Antenna, ERC issues.
• Familiarity with the best analog layout design practices for sensitive circuits like OpAmp, matching pair, etc.
• Mixed signal SoC tapeouts involving multiple instances of analog IPs.
• Low power / leakage management methodology and techniques.
• Extraction and characterization of IP elements.

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 $166,600 and $296,000, 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 — 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.