Senior DTCO Engineer, CPU Physical Design

NVIDIA; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 136,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Benefits package

Job summary

NVIDIA in Durham, NC is seeking a Senior DTCO Engineer, CPU Physical Design to evaluate advanced process nodes and optimize next‑gen CPU microarchitecture. You will coordinate with foundry partners, IP teams, and hardware design to explore technology nodes during early development.

The role demands 5+ years in advanced‑node silicon design, deep PPA analysis, and proficiency with Python, Tcl or Perl. Strong technical leadership and cross‑organisational collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in advanced-node silicon design and physical-design methodology.
• Ability to analyze physical implementation constraints and develop PPA improvements.
• Proficiency with scripting languages and AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate process technologies to shape CPU tech choices.
• Run synthesis, place-and-route, and STA to assess PPA.
• Coordinate with foundry, IP, and hardware teams in early development.
• Identify bottlenecks and guide technology-node scaling.
• Benchmark against competitors to inform design trade-offs.

Skills

Python scripting

AI tools

Technical leadership

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

Tcl

Perl

Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s a unique legacy of innovation that’s fueled by great technology—and amazing people. Today, we’re tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what’s never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you’ll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

If you want to challenge yourself and be a part of something great, join us today! NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing! More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI — the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a “learning machine” that constantly evolves by adapting to new opportunities which are hard to tackle, that only we can pursue, and that matter to the world. This is our life’s work, to amplify human inventiveness and intelligence.

We are now looking for a motivated Senior DTCO Engineer, CPU Physical Design to join our dynamic and growing team. As a Senior DTCO Engineer, you will evaluate advanced semiconductor foundry nodes to optimize next-generation CPU microarchitecture. You will coordinate between foundry partners, IP development, and hardware design teams to explore target technology nodes during early development phases.

What You'll Be Doing

• Evaluate advanced process technologies and help shape technology choices for next-generation CPUs.
• Run synthesis, place-and-route, and static timing analysis to assess how process features affect power, performance, and area.
• Work with foundry, IP, and hardware design teams during early technology development.
• Use early pathfinding blocks to identify implementation bottlenecks and project technology-node scaling.
• Evaluate competitive products and benchmarks to understand technology and design trade-offs.

What We Need To See

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in advanced-node silicon design and physical-design methodology.
• Ability to analyze physical implementation constraints and develop technology solutions to improve PPA.
• Proficiency with Python, Tcl, Perl, or similar scripting languages, as well as AI tools.

Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd

• Experience with DTCO or technology pathfinding for high-performance CPUs, GPUs, or AI accelerators.
• Expertise in advanced circuit and physical-design optimization, clocking, memory, or timing-closure techniques.
• A track record of translating test-chip or silicon data into measurable product improvements.
• Strong technical leadership, with the ability to collaborate across organizations and turn complex technical trade-offs into clear recommendations.

Widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 136,000 USD - 218,500 USD for Level 3, and 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD for Level 4.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until October 15, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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