Principal Layout Design Engineer

Ampere Computing LLC; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 182,000 - 273,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium medical insurance

401K retirement plan

Unlimited flextime and 10+ paid holid

Job summary

Ampere Computing LLC is seeking a senior layout engineer to deliver clean layouts meeting LVS/DRC/EM/IR requirements. You will collaborate with P&R and other teams for seamless full-chip integration and high-quality design implementation.

The role requires hands-on 3nm technology experience, strong analog and digital layout skills (SRAM, clocking networks, standard cells), and a track record of successful tapeouts. Join a small, collaborative team to drive innovative AI compute hardware.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in custom layout design.
• Hands-on experience with 3nm technology is essential.
• High proficiency in laying out custom digital components such as SRAM, register files, and standard cells.
• Strong skills in designing custom analog blocks including amplifiers and resistor ladders.
• Expertise in laying out and balancing custom clock H-trees for full-chip designs.
• Experience with full-chip integration of custom IP alongside P&R teams.
• Solid knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), hierarchical layout techniques, device matching, and low-parasitic layout practices.
• Good understanding of Electromigration (EM) and IR drop analysis.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with P&R team to resolve full-chip integration issues.
• Develop and improve methodologies to simplify custom macro integration into the P&R flow.
• Floorplan and build out cells, blocks, and macros efficiently.
• Understand, create, and debug LEF files to support design processes.
• Design complex layouts for analog and digital circuits using deep submicron technologies.
• Analyze LVS, DRC, ERC, EM, and IR results to identify and resolve issues.
• Identify layout problems and work with engineering teams to address them.
• Work on multiple projects across technologies simultaneously.
• Learn and utilize Ampere's in-house design tools.
• Coordinate with circuit engineers across regions/time zones.
• Support during tapeout phases for successful completion.
• Coach and train junior engineers.

Skills

Custom layout design

Analog layout

Digital layout (SRAM, reg files)

Clock routing / H-trees

Full-chip integration

DFM/EM/IR awareness

Cadence XL/GXL/EXL

Mentor Calibre

Innovus experience

Cross-site collaboration

Programming (nice-to-have)

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

PhD in related field

Tools

Cadence Innovus

Cadence XL/GXL/EXL

Mentor Graphics Calibre

Job description

Invent the future with us.

Ampere is a semiconductor design company for a new era, leading the future of computing with an innovative approach to CPU design focused on high-performance, energy efficient AI compute.

As a pioneer in the new frontier of energy efficient high-performance computing, Ampere is part of the Softbank Group of companies driving sustainable computing for AI, Cloud, and edge applications.

Join us at Ampere and work alongside a passionate and growing team-we'dlove to have you apply!

About the role:

As a key member of the layout team, you will be responsible for delivering clean layouts that meet LVS, DRC, ERC, EM, and IR requirements.

Your role will involve close collaboration with various teams to ensure seamless full-chip integration and high-quality design implementation.

What you'll achieve:

• Collaborate with the Place & Route (P&R) team to resolve full-chip integration issues.
• Develop and improve methodologies to simplify custom macro integration into the P&R flow.
• Floorplan and build out cells, blocks, and macros efficiently.
• Understand, create, and debug LEF files to support design processes.
• Design complex layouts for both analog and digital circuits using deep submicron technologies.
• Analyze and interpret LVS, DRC, ERC, EM, and IR results to identify and resolve issues.
• Identify schematic or layout problems and work closely with engineering teams to address them.
• Ability to work on multiple projects across different technologies simultaneously.
• Learn and effectively utilize Ampere's in-house design tools.
• Coordinate with circuit engineers located in different regions and time zones.
• Support and assist during tapeout phases to ensure successful project completion.
• Contribute ideas as an integral part of a small, collaborative team.
• Coach and train junior engineers to foster skill development within the team.

About you:

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in custom layout design.
• Current hands-on experience with 3nm technology is essential.
• High proficiency in laying out custom digital components such as SRAM, register files, and standard cells.
• Strong skills in designing custom analog blocks including amplifiers and resistor ladders.
• Expertise in laying out and balancing custom clock H-trees for full-chip designs.
• Experience with full-chip integration of custom IP alongside P&R teams.
• Solid knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), hierarchical layout techniques, device matching, and low-parasitic layout practices.
• Good understanding of Electromigration (EM) and IR drop analysis.
• Proficient with Cadence XL/GXL/EXL and Mentor Graphics Calibre tools.
• Familiarity with Cadence Innovus is a plus.
• Experience with Totem tools for EM/IR analysis is advantageous.
• Programming skills are a plus but not required.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple locations and time zones.
• Bachelor's degree & 8 years of related experience; or master's degree & 6 years; or PhD & 3 years

What we'll offer:

At Ampere we believe in taking care of our employees and providing a competitive total rewards package that includes base pay, cash long-term incentive, and comprehensive benefits.

The full base pay range for this role is between $182,000 and $273,000, except in the San Francisco Bay Area where the range is between $195,000 and $292,000.

Our benefits include health, wellness, and financial programs that support employees through every stage of life.

Benefit highlights include:

• Premium medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, as well as income protection and a 401K retirement plan, so that you can feel secure in your health and financial future.
• Unlimited Flextime and 10+ paid holidays so that you can embrace a healthy work-life balance.
• A variety of healthy snacks, energizing espresso, and refreshing drinks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.

And there is much more than compensation and benefits. At Ampere, we foster an inclusive culture that empowers our employees to do more and grow more. We are excited to share more about our career opportunities with you through the interview process.

Ampere is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, age, veteran and/or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.