Sr. Full Chip Physical Verification Engineer (Silicon Engineering)

SpaceX; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Three weeks of paid vacation

Job summary

SpaceX in Sunnyvale is seeking a Sr. Full Chip Physical Verification Engineer to lead the physical verification of advanced silicon designs for the Starlink project. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of relevant experience, proficiency with tools like Calibre and ICV, and a degree in electrical engineering. The position offers a competitive salary of $170,000 to $230,000 per year, along with comprehensive benefits including stock options and medical coverage.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of ASIC and/or physical design flow development experience in industry.
• Experience with SOC top-level physical design flows.
• Deep expertise in DRC, LVS, PERC and ESD verification methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute full-chip DRC, LVS, ESD, PERC and antenna signoff using industry standard tools.
• Develop and optimize physical verification flows for advanced node SoCs.
• Engage directly with foundry teams to resolve DRM ambiguities.

Skills

ASIC design flow development

Physical verification methodologies

Scripting skills (Python, Perl, etc.)

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/computer engineering or computer science

Tools

Calibre

ICV

Pegasus

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. FULL CHIP PHYSICAL VERIFICATION ENGINEER (SILICON ENGINEERING)

At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering, ASIC implementation). In this role, you will be developing cutting‑edge next‑generation silicon for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Your efforts will help deliver cutting‑edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and execute full‑chip DRC, LVS, ESD, PERC and antenna signoff using industry standard tools like Calibre, ICV, or Pegasus
• Develop, maintain, and optimize physical verification flows for advanced node SoC's.
• Interpret and implement foundry Design Rule Manuals (DRM) – translate rule updates into verified flow changes
• Debug and resolve complex DRC/LVS violations across hierarchical full‑chip designs
• Perform ESD verification – validate protection strategies, current paths, and CDM/HBM compliance
• Drive tapeout readiness by coordinating signoff across block and top‑level and Hard IP design teams
• Engage directly with foundry teams to resolve DRM ambiguities and waiver requests.
• Develop/modify design flows as needed to meet the overall design quality of results and chip integration requirements. Leverage AI agents to automate rule deck validation, violation triage, and signoff reporting workflows

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science
• 5+ years of ASIC and/or physical design flow development experience in industry

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience and deep understanding of SOC top level physical design flows (floor‑planning, I/O, bump & RDL planning, hard IP integration, partitioning, power/ground grid generation, pin assignment, DFT, partition hardening, special clock handling, feedthrough flows, special interface/interconnect planning and implementation)
• Experience in IP integration (e.g. memories, I/O's, analog IPs, SerDes, DDR etc.)
• Deep expertise in DRC, LVS, PERC and ESD verification methodologies
• Hands‑on proficiency with Calibre, ICV (IC Validator), or Pegasus
• Direct foundry DRM experience – able to read, interpret, and implement complex rule decks
• Experience at advanced nodes (4nm and below)
• Experience with large SOC designs (>10M gates) with frequencies in excess of 1GHz
• Excellent scripting skills (csh/bash, Perl, Python TCL, Makefile etc.)
• Self‑driven individual with a can‑do attitude, and an ability to work in a dynamic group environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range: Physical Design Engineer/Senior: $170,000.00 – $230,000.00 per year.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue three weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for five days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].