Senior SRAM Circuit Design Engineer - AI & HPC (7708)

TSMC - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

TSMC, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, seeks a Senior SRAM Circuit Design Engineer in San Jose. The role focuses on AI and HPC applications, leveraging leading process technology and design enablement to push semiconductor innovation.

The position collaborates with RTL and Physical Design teams, with a hybrid schedule: 4 days in-office. This is an advanced role requiring strong VLSI design expertise and hands-on SPICE/Verilog experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 3+ years experience or PhD in VLSI or custom circuits.
• In-depth knowledge of VLSI design, digital ICs, Verilog, logic design and DFT.
• Hands-on experience running SPICE simulations for custom circuits.
• Collaborative mindset with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design custom memory circuits and architectures for AI and HPC applications.
• Lead PPA optimization for SRAM to meet advanced scaling.
• Perform Time/Power/Area, Read/Write margin, Noise and IR/EM analyses.
• Provide supervised layout guidance and manage design characterization and verification.
• Collaborate with RTL and PD teams for IP PPA integration.
• Handle compiler coding and interpretation of test results.

Skills

VLSI design

Digital ICs

DFT concepts

Scripting (Perl TCL Python)

Teamwork & communication

Education

Master's degree with 3+ years experience or PhD in VLSI

Tools

SPICE simulations

Verilog

Job description

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Step into a pivotal role within our San Jose design R&D team and position yourself at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry. As a Senior SRAM Circuit Design Engineer, you will leverage TSMC's leading process technology and design enablement solutions to push the boundaries of semiconductor manufacturing. In this role, you will focus on AI and high-performance computing applications, unleashing innovation and driving next-generation advancements. You will join us in our San Jose office, operating on a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in-office.

Responsibilities

• Design custom memory circuits and architectures tailored specifically for AI and HPC applications.
• Lead efforts in Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) optimization for custom SRAM circuits to align with advanced scaling advancements.
• Perform comprehensive technical analysis, including Time/Power/Area improvements, Read/Write margin, Noise, and Power/Signal IR/EM analysis.
• Provide supervised layout guidance, manage design characterization, and oversee methodology, verification, and final sign-off.
• Collaborate closely with RTL and Physical Design (PD) teams to ensure the best IP PPA integration.
• Handle compiler coding and the interpretation of testing results.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant industry experience, or a Ph.D. demonstrating applicable academic research in VLSI design or custom circuits.
• In-depth knowledge of VLSI design, digital integrated circuits, Verilog, logic design, and DFT.
• Hands-on experience running SPICE simulations for custom circuits.
• A collaborative mindset with a strong teamwork attitude and excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of leading-edge process nodes (TSMC N7 and below), ideally with a track record of successfully delivering product tapeouts below 5nm.
• Deep expertise in high-speed and low-power custom SRAM or Register File architecture and implementation.
• Prior experience acting as a technical lead for customer IP products or energy-efficient AI inference/training accelerators is a significant asset.
• Proficiency with memory characterization and industry-standard EDA tools.
• Familiarity with scripting and automation (Perl, TCL, Python) is highly advantageous and will allow you to hit the ground running.

Company Description

As a trusted technology and capacity provider, TSMC is driven by the desire to be:

• The world's leading dedicated semiconductor foundry
• The technology leader with a strong reputation for manufacturing excellence
• Advancing semiconductor manufacturing innovations to enable the future of technology

TSMC pioneered the pure-play foundry business model when it was founded in 1987 and has been the world’s leading dedicated semiconductor foundry ever since. The Company supports a thriving ecosystem of global customers and partners with the industry’s leading process technologies and a portfolio of design enablement solutions to unleash innovation for the global semiconductor industry. With global operations spanning Asia, Europe, and North America, TSMC serves as a committed corporate citizen around the world.

In North America, TSMC has a strong sales and service organization that works with customers by helping them achieve silicon success with cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing excellence. The Company has continued to accelerate its R&D investment and staffing in recent years and is expanding its manufacturing footprint to support customer innovation with 3D IC technologies and optimal manufacturing capacity.

For positions requiring access to technical data subject to export control regulations, including Export Administration Regulations, TSMC North America may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Government for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon TSMC North America obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by the U.S. Government.

TSMC Core Values

Join TSMC Technology, Inc. (TTI), an innovation hub of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC). TSMC has been a pioneer in the semiconductor industry since 1987. With teams located in San Jose, CA, and Austin, TX, TTI is dedicated to advancing semiconductor technology through expertise in physical design, memory design, analog mixed signal, power management, and groundbreaking computational AI machine learning research. Our mission is to drive the future of semiconductor innovation through unparalleled R&D and customer-focused IP. Be part of a team that shapes the next generation of technological advancements.

At TSMC, we invite talented individuals who share our vision and values to contribute to our continued success. Our core values are the foundation of our culture, guiding every decision and action. We seek applicants who deeply resonate with these principles and embody them in their work:

• Integrity: Tell the truth. We do not brag. We do not make commitments lightly. Once we make a commitment, we devote ourselves completely to meeting that commitment.
• Commitment: Employees are dedicated to the company, view the company’s success as their own and work diligently to make their best contributions. As commitment is mutual, the Company strives to serve the best interests of its employees.
• Innovation: Innovation is the wellspring of the Company’s growth. It means more than new ideas; it means putting ideas into practice.
• Customer Trust: We strive to build deep and enduring relationships with our customers, who trust and rely on us to be part of their success over the long term.

TSMC Technology, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

TSMC is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us at [e-mail] . TSMC confirms to all applicants its commitment to meet TSMC’s obligations under applicable employment law. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Pay Transparency / Benefits statement

At TSMC, your base pay is only part of your overall total compensation package. At the time of this posting, this role typically pays a base salary between $120,000 and $165,000 per year. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hires. Actual pay may be more or less than the posted range. Factors that influence pay include the individual's skills, qualifications, education, experience and the position level and location. TSMC’s total compensation package consists of market competitive pay, allowances, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits. We also offer extensive development opportunities and programs.