Senior FPGA Compiler (Router) Engineer

Altera; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 187,000 - 270,700; Full time

Job summary

Altera seeks a Senior FPGA Compiler Engineer (Routing) to advance routing algorithms within the compiler toolchain for cutting-edge FPGA architectures in San Jose, CA. This role targets performance, routability, and timing closure across large designs.

You will contribute to placement, routing, and timing-driven optimization, collaborating with architecture, synthesis, STA, and hardware teams. The position emphasizes scalable, high‑performance software and robust tool integration.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of experience in FPGA/ASIC design tools or related fields.
• Strong background in algorithms and data structures (graph algorithms, optimization techniques).
• Proficiency in C/C++ and software development best practices.
• Familiarity with routing algorithms and timing-driven design methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Routing Algorithm Development: Design, implement, and optimize FPGA routing algorithms to improve performance, routability, and timing closure.
• Compiler Enhancement: Contribute to the FPGA compiler flow, including placement, routing, and timing-driven optimization.
• Performance Optimization: Analyze and improve runtime, memory efficiency, and scalability of routing algorithms for large designs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with architecture, synthesis, timing (STA), and hardware teams to align routing strategies with device capabilities.
• Debug & Analysis: Investigate routing congestion, timing violations, and design bottlenecks; develop solutions to improve convergence.
• Toolchain Integration: Integrate routing features into existing compiler infrastructure and ensure robustness across diverse customer use cases.

Skills

Graph algorithms

C/C++

Optimization techniques

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in EE/CE/CS

Tools

Quartus

Vivado

Python

Tcl

Job description

Job Details: Job Description:

Altera is a leader in FPGA innovation, delivering programmable solutions that power AI, cloud computing, networking, and edge applications.

Our compiler and tools teams are at the core of enabling customers to efficiently map complex designs to cutting‑edge FPGA architectures.

Position Overview

Altera is seeking a Senior FPGA Compiler Engineer (Routing) to join our team! This role focuses on the development and optimization of FPGA routing algorithms within the compiler toolchain, directly impacting performance, power, and usability of next‑generation FPGA devices.

Key Responsibilities

• Routing Algorithm Development: Design, implement, and optimize FPGA routing algorithms to improve performance, routability, and timing closure.
• Compiler Enhancement: Contribute to the FPGA compiler flow, including placement, routing, and timing‑driven optimization.
• Performance Optimization: Analyze and improve runtime, memory efficiency, and scalability of routing algorithms for large designs.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with architecture, synthesis, timing (STA), and hardware teams to align routing strategies with device capabilities.
• Debug & Analysis: Investigate routing congestion, timing violations, and design bottlenecks; develop solutions to improve convergence.
• Toolchain Integration: Integrate routing features into existing compiler infrastructure and ensure robustness across diverse customer use cases.

Qualifications

• Experience: 9+ years of experience in FPGA/ASIC design tools, EDA, or related fields.
• Technical Expertise: Strong background in algorithms and data structures (graph algorithms, optimization techniques) Experience with FPGA or ASIC design flows (placement, routing, timing closure) Proficiency in C/C++ and software development best practices
• EDA / CAD Knowledge: Familiarity with: Routing algorithms (e.g., maze routing, negotiated congestion) Timing‑driven design methodologies Physical design concepts
• Problem Solving: Ability to analyze complex systems and develop scalable, high‑performance solutions.
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills are essential to effectively collaborate across cross‑functional teams and drive successful outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with commercial FPGA toolchains (e.g., Quartus, Vivado)
• Knowledge of FPGA architectures and interconnect fabrics
• Familiarity with parallel/distributed computing for EDA workloads
• Experience with scripting (Python, Tcl) for tooling and automation
• Background in timing analysis or placement algorithms

Why Join Altera

• Work on core compiler technology that powers next‑generation FPGA platforms
• Solve complex algorithmic challenges at scale
• Collaborate with world‑class teams across architecture, silicon, and software

Job Type

Regular

Shift

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location

San Jose, California, United States

The pay range below is for Bay Area California only. Actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including job location, job‑related knowledge, skills, experiences, trainings, etc. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.

$187.0K - $270.7K USD

We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position.

Applicants must be eligible for any required U.S. export authorizations.

Posting Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

About Altera

Altera: Accelerating Innovators Altera provides leadership programmable solutions that are easy‑to‑use and deploy in applications from cloud to edge, offering limitless AI possibilities. Our end‑to‑end broad portfolio of products including FPGAs, CPLDs, Intellectual Property, development tools, System on Modules, SmartNICs and IPUs provide the flexibility to accelerate innovation. Altera is helping to shape the future through pioneering innovation that unlocks extraordinary possibilities for everyone on the planet.