Senior Physical Design Engineer

Samsung Semiconductor; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite Café and gym

Flexible work environment

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Samsung Semiconductor in San Jose, CA seeks an experienced physical design engineer to own memory-centric IP and full-chip implementations from RTL to GDSII. You will drive PPA convergence, timing, and floorplanning for memory controllers, NoC, and high-speed interconnects, collaborating with RTL and verification teams.

The role requires strong scripting skills (Tcl/Python/Perl) and experience with AI/ML workloads, with a focus on delivering designs on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in EE/CS with 5+ years in physical design for ASIC/SoC.
• Advanced degree with hands-on ASIC/SoC experience is preferred.
• Proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools and hand-on experience in timing and power integrity.

Responsibilities

• Own the physical implementation of memory-centric computing IP and SoC partitions from RTL netlist to GDSII, including synthesis, floorplanning, placement, clock tree synthesis (CTS), and routing.
• Drive block- and full-chip-level PPA convergence and timing closure across multiple process corners and operating modes.
• Develop floorplans, power delivery networks, and macro placement strategies for memory controllers, NoC, and high-bandwidth interconnect subsystems.
• Perform static timing analysis (STA), constraint development, and signoff, resolving setup/hold timing, IR-drop, electromigration, and signal integrity issues.
• Execute physical verification and signoff (DRC, LVS, antenna, and reliability checks) in collaboration with foundry and standard-cell/memory library teams on advanced process nodes.
• Collaborate with RTL and verification engineers, providing physical feedback that informs design-for-PPA and floorplan-aware microarchitecture decisions.
• Develop and automate physical implementation flows and methodologies using Tcl/Python scripting and agentic AI tools and frameworks to improve turnaround time and quality of results.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including users, partners, and management, to ensure that the designs are delivered on time and within budget.
• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Memory-centric computing

RTL to GDSII flow

Synthesis/CTS/Place & Route

STA and timing closure

Python/Tcl scripting

AI/ML workloads

Collaboration & communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Master’s in EE/CS

PhD in related field

Tools

Synopsys Fusion Compiler/ICC2

Cadence Innovus

PrimeTime

StarRC

Job description

Please Note:

To provide the best candidate experience amidst our high application volumes, each candidate is limited to 10 applications across all open jobs within a 6-month period.

Advancing the World’s Technology Together

Our technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and powering the future.

We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We’re dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.

Location: Daily onsite presence at our San Jose, CA office / U.S. headquarters in alignment with our Flexible Work policy.

What You’ll Do

• Own the physical implementation of memory-centric computing IP and SoC partitions from RTL netlist to GDSII, including synthesis, floorplanning, placement, clock tree synthesis (CTS), and routing.


• Drive block- and full-chip-level PPA (performance, power, and area) convergence and timing closure across multiple process corners and operating modes.


• Develop floorplans, power delivery networks, and macro placement strategies for memory controllers, NoC, and high-bandwidth interconnect subsystems.


• Perform static timing analysis (STA), constraint development, and signoff, resolving setup/hold timing, IR-drop, electromigration, and signal integrity issues.


• Execute physical verification and signoff (DRC, LVS, antenna, and reliability checks) in collaboration with foundry and standard-cell/memory library teams on advanced process nodes.


• Collaborate with RTL and verification engineers, providing physical feedback that informs design-for-PPA and floorplan-aware microarchitecture decisions.


• Make design decisions out of a large design trade-off space across performance, power, thermal, and cost.


• Develop and automate physical implementation flows and methodologies using Tcl/Python scripting and agentic AI tools and frameworks to improve turnaround time and quality of results.


• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including users, partners, and management, to ensure that the designs are delivered on time and within budget.


• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s with 5+ years, or Master’s with 3+ years, or PhD's with 0+ years of industry experience.


• Strong background in digital physical design and VLSI implementation.


• 5+ years of experience in physical design implementation — synthesis, floorplanning, place-and-route, clock tree synthesis, and timing closure — for complex ASIC/SoC designs.


• Proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools such as Synopsys Fusion Compiler/ICC2, Cadence Innovus, PrimeTime, and StarRC.


• Experience with static timing analysis and constraint (SDC) development, low-power design (UPF/CPF), and power, IR-drop, and electromigration analysis.


• Experience with physical verification (DRC, LVS, antenna) and tapeout on advanced FinFET process nodes.


• Experience implementing memory controllers, NoC, or high-speed interconnect IP and full-chip SoC integration.


• Proficiency in scripting (Tcl, Python, or Perl) for physical design flow automation.


• Experience in AI/ML workloads.


• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team


• You’re inclusive, adapting your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people.


• An avid learner, you approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.


• You’re collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.


• Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change.

What We Offer

The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Pay within this range varies by work location and may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.

This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision/401k, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves. An investment in your future is an investment in ours.

Give Back With a charitable giving match and frequent opportunities to get involved, we take an active role in supporting the community.

Enjoy Time Away You’ll start with 4+ weeks of paid time off a year, plus holidays and sick leave, to rest and recharge.

Care for Family Whatever family means to you, we want to support you along the way—including a stipend for fertility care or adoption, medical travel support, and virtual vet care for your fur babies.

Prioritize Emotional Wellness With on‑demand apps and free confidential therapy sessions, you’ll have support no matter where you are.

Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Café and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.

Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. That’s why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.

Base Pay Range

$138,000—$206,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Samsung Semiconductor takes pride in being an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.

When selecting team members, we prioritize talent and qualities such as humility, kindness, and dedication. We extend comprehensive accommodations throughout our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long‑term conditions, neurodivergent individuals, or those requiring pregnancy‑related support. All candidates scheduled for an interview will receive guidance on requesting accommodations.

Recruiting Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes. Only authorized recruitment agencies that have a current and valid agreement with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. are permitted to submit resumes for any job openings.

Applicant AI Use Policy

At Samsung Semiconductor, we support innovation and technology. However, to ensure a fair and authentic assessment, we ask that candidates rely on their own knowledge and skills throughout the process. AI tools may be used for basic preparation, grammar, and research, but should not be used to generate or assist with submitted content or live interview responses. If we determine that AI is being used outside these guidelines, we reserve the right to pause or end the interview, and your candidacy may be disqualified.

Trade Secret Notice

By submitting an application, you agree not to disclose to Samsung—or encourage Samsung to use—any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to a current or former employer or other entity.

Applicant Privacy Policy

https://semiconductor.samsung.com/about-us/careers/us/privacy/