Senior Physical Design Engineer (CPU)

Intel; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Intel seeks a Senior Physical Design Engineer to own CPU core blocks from RTL to GDS, driving high-performance, power-efficient silicon solutions. You will lead design closure, collaborate with RTL, verification and full-chip teams, and mentor juniors in a fast-paced environment.

You will optimize flows, push PPA improvements, and contribute to advanced methodologies while working on on‑site CPU designs across client/server platforms.

Qualifications

• Experience with integrated circuit design tools (e.g., Synopsys/Cadence) including logic synthesis, place & route, STA and design closure.
• PV convergence with timing and power analysis.
• Chip physical design verification including DRC/LVS and noise checks.

Responsibilities

• Own physical design and implementation of CPU core blocks or subsystems.
• Execute synthesis, floorplanning, place and route, and design closure.
• Perform static timing analysis (STA), power analysis, and physical verification.
• Drive convergence of timing, power, and area (PPA) metrics.
• Debug and resolve complex design issues across multiple design stages.
• Develop and optimize design flows and automation scripts.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with RTL design, verification, clocking, and full-chip teams.
• Provide guidance to junior engineers where applicable.

Skills

IC design tools experience

Scripting TCL/Python

Synthesis/Timing/Design Closure

Tools

Synopsys Fusion Compiler

ICC2

PrimeTime

Genus/Innovus

Job description

About The Role

Join a team developing next-generation CPU cores that power client, server, IoT, and AI platforms. As a

Job Details

Job Description:

About The Role

Join a team developing next-generation CPU cores that power client, server, IoT, and AI platforms. As a Senior Physical Design Engineer (CPU), you will play a key role in delivering high-performance, power-efficient silicon solutions. You will take ownership of blocks within the CPU core design, driving implementation from RTL to GDS and contributing to advanced physical design methodologies.

What You'll Do

Key responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Own physical design and implementation of CPU core blocks or subsystems
• Execute synthesis, floorplanning, place and route, and design closure
• Perform static timing analysis (STA), power analysis, and physical verification
• Drive convergence of timing, power, and area (PPA) metrics
• Debug and resolve complex design issues across multiple design stages
• Develop and optimize design flows and automation scripts
• Collaborate cross-functionally with RTL design, verification, clocking, and full-chip teams
• Contribute to improving design methodologies and best practices
• Provide guidance to junior engineers where applicable

Behavioral Traits That We Are Looking For

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Takes ownership and accountability for deliverables
• Collaborates effectively across multidisciplinary teams
• Communicates technical concepts clearly and concisely
• Prioritizes work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Continuously learns and applies new tools and methodologies

Why Join Us

• Work on cutting-edge CPU core designs that power client, server, IoT, and AI platforms used worldwide
• Be part of a team driving innovation at advanced semiconductor process nodes
• Contribute across the full RTL-to-GDS flow, gaining exposure to complex, high-impact silicon design
• Collaborate with experienced engineers across architecture, design, and full-chip integration
• Grow your technical expertise through challenging problems, modern tools, and continuous learning opportunities
• Join a culture that values inclusion, collaboration, and diverse perspectives while delivering industry-leading technology
• Intel invests in our people and offers a complete and competitive package of benefits employees and their families through every stage of life.
• See Intel Benefits for more details.

Qualifications

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

Note

For information on Intel's immigration sponsorship guidelines, please see

Intel U.S. Immigration Sponsorship Information

Minimum Qualifications And Experience

• Experience with integrated circuit design tools (ex: Synopsys/Cadence), including logic synthesis, place and route, static timing analysis and design closure
• PV convergence (including static timing and power analysis)
• Chip physical design verification including formal equivalence, timing, electrical rules, DRC/LVS, Noise and electro-migration checks.
• Scripting in an interpreted language, minimum TCL in addition to at least one other (e.g. Perl, Python, Ruby)
• Experience with one or more of the following areas: Synthesis of a digital logic block, which was integrated into a large SoC or IP

Preferred Qualifications And Experience

• Industry experience/exposure with CPU Micro-Architecture
• Physical design best known practices concerning floor-planning, routing techniques, clock distribution
• Static Timing Analysis, Noise analysis, and reliability verification techniques
• RTL to GDS methodologies and formal equivalence
• Synopsys tool suite (Fusion compiler, ICC2, PrimeTime) or Cadence (genus/innovus)

Job Type

Experienced Hire

Shift

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location

US, Oregon, Hillsboro

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.

Position of Trust

N/A

Benefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $141,910.00 - 269,100.00 USD

The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will require an on-site presence. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.