SOC Top Level Physical Design Engineer, Annapurna Labs

Amazon Web Services (AWS); Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 183,000 - 248,000; Full time

Job summary

Annapurna Labs, part of Amazon, seeks an ASIC Physical Design Engineer in Cupertino to drive floorplanning, placement, integration, and tapeout for advanced SoCs. You will collaborate with the FE team to translate RTL into robust physical designs, and lead DV/verification using Calibre, IC Validator and PVS across processes.

The role requires 5+ years in physical verification, scripting, and strong communication. Experience with FC/Innovus flows and mentoring is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS + 10yrs or MS + 7yrs in EE/CS, or related field.
• 5+ in physical verification for advanced technology nodes.
• Design Flow Knowledge: Backend physical design flows for chip-top/subsystems (FC/Innovus).
• Expert knowledge of physical verification tools (Calibre, IC Validator, PVS).
• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes and design rules.

Responsibilities

• Drive full chip floorplan, placement, integration, PV signoff and tapeout.
• Collaborate with FE team to understand RTL and drive physical aspects early in design cycle.
• Define, execute and optimize next-generation physical verification methodologies using industry-standard EDA tools (FC, Calibre, IC Validator).
• Perform DRC, LVS, PERC verification.
• Debug and resolve physical verification issues with layout and design teams.
• Interface with foundries for MT form, rule deck updates and violation waivers; develop verification runsets.
• Mentor junior engineers on physical verification methodologies and closure.

Skills

Scripting with Python

Backend physical design knowledge

Physical verification

Communication skills

Tape-out experience

Collaboration

Education

BS + 10yrs or MS + 7yrs in EE/CS

Tools

Calibre

IC Validator

PVS

FC

Innovus

Job description

Description

Annapurna Labs designs silicon and software that accelerates innovation. Customers choose us to create cloud solutions that solve challenges that were unimaginable a short time ago—even yesterday. Our custom chips, accelerators, and software stacks enable us to take on technical challenges that have never been seen before, and deliver results that help our customers change the world.

Annapurna Labs designs silicon and software that accelerates innovation. Customers choose us to create cloud solutions that solve challenges that were unimaginable a short time ago—even yesterday. Our custom chips, accelerators, and software stacks enable us to take on technical challenges that have never been seen before, and deliver results that help our customers change the world.

Custom SoCs (System on Chip) live at the heart of AWS Machine Learning servers. As a member of the Cloud‑Scale Machine Learning Acceleration team you’ll be responsible for the design and optimization of hardware in our data centers including AWS Inferentia, Trainium Systems (our custom designed machine learning inference and training datacenter servers). Our success depends on our world‑class server infrastructure; we’re handling massive scale and rapid integration of emergent technologies. We’re looking for an ASIC Physical Design Engineer to help us trail‑blaze new technologies and architectures, while ensuring high design quality and making the right trade‑offs.

Key job responsibilities

• Drive full chip floorplan, placement, integration, PV signoff and tapeout
• Collaborate with FE team to understand RTL and drive physical aspects early in design cycle
• Define, execute and optimize next‑generation physical verification and integration methodologies using industry‑standard EDA tools (FC, Calibre, IC Validator)
• Perform DRC (Design Rule Checking), LVS (Layout vs. Schematic), PERC (Programmable Electrical Rule Check) verification
• Debug and resolve physical verification issues in collaboration with layout and design teams
• Interface with foundries for MT form, rule deck updates and violation waivers; Develop and maintain verification runsets and methodologies
• Mentor junior engineers on physical verification methodologies and closure

Basic Qualifications

• Experience scripting with Python, Perl, Bash or PowerShell
• BS + 10yrs or MS + 7yrs in EE/CS, or related field
• 5+ in physical verification for advanced technology nodes
• Design Flow Knowledge: Understanding of backend physical design flows for chip‑top/subsystems (FC/Innovus)
• Expert knowledge of industry‑standard physical verification tools (Calibre, IC Validator, PVS)
• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes and design rules
• Proven track record of successful tape‑outs
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in mentoring, leading, or managing more junior engineers
• Experience with integration and verification in advanced nodes [5nm or below]
• Knowledge of custom and digital design flows
• Expertise with DFM (Design for Manufacturing) methodologies
• Expertise in reliability verification (ESD, EM, IR drop)
• Experience solving physical design challenges across various technologies such as DDR, PCIe, fabrics etc.
• Experience in extraction of design parameters, QOR metrics, and analyzing trends

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign‑on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, CA, Cupertino - 183,000.00 - 247,600.00 USD annually

USA, TX, Austin - 159,200.00 - 215,300.00 USD annually

Company

Annapurna Labs (U.S.) Inc.

Job ID: A10416604