Senior Circuit Design Engineer - AI & HPC (7708)

TSMC; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

TSMC is seeking a Senior Circuit Design Engineer to join our San Jose R&D team. This pivotal role involves designing custom memory circuits for AI and high-performance computing, leveraging TSMC's advanced process technology. Candidates with a Master's degree and relevant experience or a Ph.D. in VLSI design are encouraged to apply.

The position offers a hybrid schedule and a competitive salary ranging from $120,000 to $165,000. Join us in driving semiconductor innovation!

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 3+ years experience or Ph.D. with academic research in VLSI design.
• In-depth knowledge of VLSI design, digital ICs, and Verilog.
• Hands-on experience with SPICE simulations for custom circuits.

Responsibilities

• Design custom memory circuits and architectures for AI and HPC applications.
• Lead optimization for custom SRAM circuits to align with advanced scaling.
• Perform technical analyses including Time/Power/Area improvements.

Skills

VLSI design

Digital ICs

Verilog

SPICE simulations

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in relevant field

Ph.D. in VLSI design or custom circuits

Tools

EDA tools

Scripting (Perl, TCL, Python)

Job description

Overview

Join TSMC Technology, Inc. (TTI), an innovation hub of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC). TSMC has been a pioneer in the semiconductor industry since 1987. With teams located in San Jose, CA, and Austin, TX, TTI advances semiconductor technology through expertise in physical design, memory design, analog mixed signal, power management, and AI/ML research. Our mission is to drive the future of semiconductor innovation through R&D and customer-focused IP. Be part of a team that shapes the next generation of technological advancements.

Step into a pivotal role within our San Jose design R&D team as a Senior Circuit Design Engineer. You will leverage TSMC\'s process technology and design enablement solutions to push the boundaries of semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on AI and high-performance computing applications. This role is based in our San Jose office with a hybrid schedule (4 days in-office).

Responsibilities

• Design custom memory circuits and architectures tailored for AI and HPC applications.
• Lead Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) optimization for custom SRAM circuits to align with advanced scaling.
• Perform technical analyses including Time/Power/Area improvements, Read/Write margin, Noise, and Power/Signal IR/EM analysis.
• Provide supervised layout guidance, manage design characterization, and oversee methodology, verification, and final sign-off.
• Collaborate with RTL and Physical Design (PD) teams to ensure optimal IP PPA integration.
• Handle compiler coding and interpretation of testing results.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Master’s degree with 3+ years of relevant industry experience, or Ph.D. with applicable academic research in VLSI design or custom circuits.
• In-depth knowledge of VLSI design, digital ICs, Verilog, logic design, and DFT.
• Hands-on experience running SPICE simulations for custom circuits.
• Collaborative mindset with strong teamwork and excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of leading-edge process nodes (TSMC N7 and below), ideally with tapeouts below 5nm.
• Deep expertise in high-speed and low-power memory architectures (SRAM or Register File).
• Experience as a technical lead for customer IP products or energy-efficient AI accelerators is a plus.
• Proficiency in memory characterization and industry-standard EDA tools.
• Familiarity with scripting/automation (Perl, TCL, Python) is advantageous.

Company Description

As a trusted technology and capacity provider, TSMC is driven to be the world’s leading dedicated semiconductor foundry and technology leader with a reputation for manufacturing excellence. TSMC supports a thriving ecosystem of global customers and partners with leading process technologies and design enablement solutions to unleash innovation for the global semiconductor industry. With operations across Asia, Europe, and North America, TSMC serves as a committed corporate citizen.

In North America, TSMC has a strong sales and service organization that helps customers achieve silicon success with cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing excellence. The company has continued to accelerate R&D investment and staffing and is expanding its manufacturing footprint to support customer innovation with 3D IC technologies and optimal capacity.

Legal & Diversity

For positions requiring access to technical data subject to export control regulations, including Export Administration Regulations, TSMC North America may obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Government. All employment is contingent upon obtaining any required export license or approvals.

TSMC Core Values

At TSMC, we invite talented individuals who share our vision and values to contribute to our continued success. Our core values guide every decision and action:

• Integrity: Tell the truth. We do not brag. We do not make commitments lightly. We devote ourselves to meeting commitments.
• Commitment: Employees are dedicated to the company and its success; mutual commitment is valued.
• Innovation: Innovation is a driver of growth, translating ideas into practice.
• Customer Trust: We build deep, enduring relationships with customers who rely on us for long-term success.

For more details on TSMC\'s Core Values, please visit: https://www.tsmc.com/english/aboutTSMC/values

Diversity Statement

TSMC Technology, Inc. is committed to a diverse workforce and Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants with respect and dignity. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, notify us at [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Pay Transparency / Benefits

Base pay is part of total compensation. As of this posting, base salary typically ranges from $120,000 to $165,000 per year. The range reflects minimum and maximum targets for new hires. Actual pay may vary. Total compensation includes market-competitive pay, allowances, bonuses, and benefits. We offer development opportunities and programs.