Senior Physical Design Lead - Tapeout Expert

Normal Computing Corp.; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Normal Computing is seeking a seasoned Physical Design Manager in Mountain View, CA. You will lead end-to-end silicon realization, overseeing floorplanning, CTS, P&R, and signoff while collaborating with RTL and architecture teams to hit aggressive power, performance and area targets.

The role requires a track record of successful tapeouts, strong leadership, and deep PD tool experience to drive efficient backend flows and on-time tapeouts.

Qualifications

• Tapeout track record: Lead at least 3+ successful tapeouts from netlist to signoff across advanced technology nodes.
• PD flow expertise with industry-standard tools covering floorplanning, P&R, CTS, and signoff timing closure.
• Backend debugging: troubleshoot STA bottlenecks, IR/EM issues, crosstalk, and DRC/LVS signoff violations.
• Cross-functional feasibility: collaborate with RTL, architecture, and DFT teams to influence early physical feasibility.
• Managerial experience: at least 7 years in a PD leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Physical Design Team Hiring & Leadership: provide leadership and guidance including hiring.
• Project Planning: create work estimates and schedules for tapeout plans.
• EDA tools acquisition: specify and negotiate tools for the PD flow.
• Design & Floorplan Reviews: collaborate with RTL, architecture, and DFT for early feasibility.
• Physical Implementation & Flow: lead netlist-to-GDSII flow including CTS and P&R.
• Timing Closure & STA: own STA and signoff timing across corners and modes.
• Power, Area, and Signal Integrity: optimize for PPA and IR/EM concerns.
• Physical Signoff & Verification: execute DRC, LVS, ERC and antenna fixes.
• Tapeout & Post-Silicon Support: manage tapeout checklists and post-silicon debugging.

Skills

Tapeout leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Team building

Mentoring/people management

Tools

Innovus

IC Compiler II

Tempus

PrimeTime

Pegasus

Calibre

Job description

Normal Computing is seeking a seasoned Physical Design Manager in Mountain View, CA. You will lead end-to-end silicon realization, overseeing floorplanning, CTS, P&R, and signoff while collaborating with RTL and architecture teams to hit aggressive power, performance and area targets.

The role requires a track record of successful tapeouts, strong leadership, and deep PD tool experience to drive efficient backend flows and on-time tapeouts.