Physical Design Methodology & Flow

SambaNova; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 255,000; Full time

Job summary

SambaNova Systems is seeking an experienced Senior Physical Design Engineer to drive and maintain the RTL-to-GDS flow using Cadence tool sets (Genus, Innovus, Cerebrus) for our state-of-the-art semiconductor designs.

You will collaborate with physical designers, address flow issues, and work with tool vendors to fix bugs and optimize performance on advanced nodes, including 3nm and below.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years of industry experience in physical design and flow development.
• Strong understanding of RTL to GDS flow and methodologies including synthesis and place and route.
• Proficiency in scripting languages TCL, Perl and Python.
• Good understanding of physical design rules for 3nm and below.
• Familiarity with Cadence physical design reference flow and mythologies is desirable.
• Fluency in Claude / AI tools for flow development is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain physical composition flow utilizing Cadence tool sets, including Genus, Innovus, Cerebrus, etc.
• Closely work with physical designers to address a diverse range of flow and design issues.
• Collaborate with tool vendors to address tool bugs and flow enhancement.

Skills

RTL to GDS flow

Scripting: TCL/Perl/Python

3nm+ node design rules

Cadence PD reference flow

Claude/AI tools for flow

Education

BS/MS/PhD in CS/CE/EE

Tools

Genus

Innovus

Cerebrus

Job description

Job Overview

The era of pervasive AI has arrived. In this era, organizations will use generative AI to unlock hidden value in their data, accelerate processes, reduce costs, drive efficiency and innovation to fundamentally transform their businesses and operations at scale.

SambaNova Suite™ is the first full‑stack, generative AI platform, from chip to model, optimized for enterprise and government organizations. Powered by the intelligent SN40L chip, the SambaNova Suite is a fully integrated platform delivered on‑premises or in the cloud, combined with state‑of‑the‑art open‑source models that can be easily and securely fine‑tuned using customer data for greater accuracy. Once adapted with customer data, customers retain model ownership in perpetuity, so they can turn generative AI into one of their most valuable assets.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain physical composition flow utilizing Cadence tool sets, including Genus, Innovus, Cerebrus, etc.
• Closely work with physical designers to address a diverse range of flow and design issues.
• Collaborate with tool vendors to address tool bugs and flow enhancement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience
  • BS, MS, or PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering
  • 5+ years of industry experience in physical design and flow development
• Knowledge and Skills
  • Strong understanding of RTL to GDS flow and mythologies, including synthesis and place and route
  • Proficiency in scripting languages, e.g. TCL, Perl and Python, etc. is required
  • Good understanding of physical design rules especially for TSMC advanced technology nodes 3nm and below
  • Familiarity with Cadence physical design reference flow and mythologies is highly desirable
  • Fluency in Claude / AI tools for flow development is a plus

Base Salary Range

$180,000—$255,000 USD

EEO Policy

SambaNova Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Benefits Summary for US‑Based, Full‑Time Employment Positions

SambaNova offers a competitive total rewards package, including base salary, equity and benefits. We cover 95% premium coverage for employee medical insurance, 77% premium coverage for dependents, and provide a Health Savings Account with employer contribution. Additional benefits include Dental, Vision, Short/Long‑term Disability, Basic Life, Voluntary Life, AD&D insurance plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Headspace, Gympass+, One Medical membership, counseling services through an Employee Assistance Program, and more.