Senior/Staff Silicon Physical Design Engineer

Axelera AI; Indiana (PA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Employee insurances

Company shares option

Job summary

Axelera AI is seeking a Senior/Staff Silicon Physical Design Engineer to play a vital role in developing multi-core in-memory compute SoCs. Key responsibilities include synthesis, floorplanning, place and route, and physical verification.

The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in Physical Design and strong proficiency with EDA tools like Primetime and Innovus. Besides collaborating closely with teams, you will also develop automation scripts in Python and Tcl.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Physical Design (RTL to GDS).
• Expertise in all aspects of physical design.
• Hands-on experience with leading EDA tools.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written).

Responsibilities

• Perform synthesis, floorplanning, place and route, extraction, timing analysis, and physical verification.
• Integrate IPs including memories, I/Os, and analog IPs.
• Develop automation scripts in Python, Tcl, and Bash.
• Collaborate with architecture, RTL, and verification teams.

Skills

Physical Design expertise

Strong communication skills

Teamwork skills

Scripting skills in Python and Tcl

Problem-solving capabilities

Tools

Primetime

StarRC

Genus

Innovus

Design Compiler

ICC/ICC2

FC

Calibre

Job description

Position Overview

A Senior/Staff Silicon Physical Design Engineer at Axelera AI will play a crucial role in developing cutting‑edge multi‑core in‑memory compute SoCs. Leveraging expertise in full ASIC Physical Design from RTL to GDS, responsibilities include synthesis, floorplanning, place and route, extraction, timing analysis, physical verification, EMIR sign‑off, and formal verification. Will collaborate closely with architecture and RTL teams to ensure successful project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform synthesis, floorplanning, place and route, extraction, timing analysis, and physical verification.
• Generate constraints, perform timing analysis and optimization.
• Execute clock tree synthesis (CTS) and custom clock‑building techniques.
• Integrate IPs including memories, I/Os, embedded processors, DDR, networking fabrics, and analog IPs.
• Utilize EDA tools such as Primetime, StarRC, Genus, Innovus, Design Compiler, ICC/ICC2, FC, and Calibre.
• Develop automation scripts in Python, Tcl, Bash and contribute to flow development.
• Debug and solve technical challenges related to physical design.
• Collaborate with architecture, RTL, and verification teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Physical Design (RTL to GDS).
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Expertise in all aspects of physical design.
• Hands‑on experience with leading EDA tools (Primetime, StarRC, Genus, Innovus, Design Compiler, ICC/ICC2, FC, Redhawk, and Calibre).
• Proficiency in clocking techniques and CTS.
• Experience in IP integration across various domains.
• Strong scripting skills (Python and Tcl).
• Proven problem‑solving and debugging capabilities.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written).

Highly Preferred

• Experience in floorplanning and top‑level integration.
• Knowledge of chip‑package‑board co‑simulation and packaging.
• Experience working with EDA vendors to resolve tool issues.
• Understanding of semiconductor device physics and multi‑domain design.

Location

• Flexible working arrangement: work from one of Axelera AI offices (Leuven, Belgium; Amsterdam or Eindhoven, Netherlands; Florence or Milan, Italy; Bristol, United Kingdom) if based nearby.
• Work fully remotely from any European country (including the UK).
• Relocate with us and work from Italy (Florence or Milan) or the Netherlands (Amsterdam or Eindhoven).

Priority will be given to candidates based in Belgium or Italy.

What We Offer

This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast‑growing, international organization. Compensation package includes a pension plan, extensive employee insurances, and the option to receive company shares.

An open culture supports creativity and continual innovation. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility characterize how we act and work as a team.

At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of AI.