Sr. Physical Design Engineer

Roguebeam; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Roguebeam is seeking a Senior Physical Design Engineer to own block- and chip-level implementation from netlist to GDS, with FPGA P&R support, for phased-array solutions. You will floorplan, place, clock, route, and sign off silicon that carries digital beamforming and adaptive processing.

You will collaborate end-to-end on timing, CTS, and verification, integrating memories, high-speed interfaces, and DFT structures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• 7–10 years of physical design experience (RTL-to-GDS) on ASICs; FPGA P&R experience a plus.
• Hands-on with industry PD tools (e.g., Innovus, ICC2/Fusion Compiler, PrimeTime, Calibre or equivalent)
• Proven timing closure, CTS, and physical verification on multi-clock, high-utilization designs
• Scripting (Tcl/Python) and ability to debug tool and design issues independently
• Demonstrated ability to work with front-end and DFT so implementation matches system performance goals

Responsibilities

• Execute physical design for DSP, beamforming, and interface partitions and for top level: floorplan, power, placement, CTS, route, optimization
• Close timing with PD tools in partnership with the synthesis/timing owner; implement timing and functional ECOs
• Integrate memories, I/Os, high-speed interfaces, and DFT structures; manage congestion and utilization on high-throughput datapaths
• Run physical verification (DRC/LVS/antenna) and support EM/IR sign-off
• Collaborate with RTL, synthesis/STA, and DFT on constraints, scan timing, and design changes that affect layout
• Support FPGA P&R and timing when prototypes are used before or alongside ASIC
• Contribute to technical strategy, design reviews, documentation, and mentoring as the team grows

Skills

Timing closure

Scripting (Tcl/Python)

DFT/verification

Multi-clock designs

RTL-to-GDS

Front-end/DFT collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

MSc or PhD in EE/CE

Tools

Innovus

ICC2/Fusion Compiler

PrimeTime

Calibre

Job description

The Role

We're looking for a Senior Physical Design Engineer who can own block- and chip-level implementation from netlist to GDS (and FPGA P&R support) for our phased-array solutions. As one of our early senior digital hires, you will floorplan, place, clock, route, and sign off the silicon that carries digital beamforming and adaptive processing—bridging synthesis to a manufacturable, timing-clean layout.

You'll work end-to-end: floorplan and power grid, placement, CTS, routing, extraction, STA collaboration, physical verification, EM/IR, ECOs, and lab support. The decisions you make will directly shape PPA, schedule, and product differentiation.

Responsibilities

• Execute physical design for DSP, beamforming, and interface partitions and for top level: floorplan, power, placement, CTS, route, optimization

• Close timing with PD tools in partnership with the synthesis/timing owner; implement timing and functional ECOs

• Integrate memories, I/Os, high-speed interfaces, and DFT structures; manage congestion and utilization on high-throughput datapaths

• Run physical verification (DRC/LVS/antenna) and support EM/IR sign-off

• Collaborate with RTL, synthesis/STA, and DFT on constraints, scan timing, and design changes that affect layout

• Support FPGA P&R and timing when prototypes are used before or alongside ASIC

• Contribute to technical strategy, design reviews, documentation, and mentoring as the team grows

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field

• 7–10 years of relevant physical design experience (RTL-to-GDS or netlist-to-GDS) on ASICs; FPGA P&R experience a plus

• Hands-on experience with industry PD tools (e.g., Innovus, ICC2/Fusion Compiler, PrimeTime, Calibre or equivalent)

• Proven timing closure, CTS, and physical verification on multi-clock, high-utilization designs

• Scripting (Tcl/Python) and ability to debug tool and design issues independently

• Demonstrated ability to work with front-end and DFT so implementation matches system performance goals

Preferred Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in EE/CE or a related field

• Tape-out experience and post-silicon or FPGA validation support

• Background in communications (5G/6G, satellite) or radar / phased-array ASICs

• Familiarity with high-speed interfaces, low-power design, and Cadence/Synopsys full flows

• Prior work on phased-array or multi-antenna systems from concept through fielded product

Why Roguebeam

This is a rare ground-floor opportunity. Joining a startup at this stage means your work has a direct, visible effect on whether the company succeeds—and a corresponding upside as we grow. Because we build the entire system in-house, you'll see your work integrated into real phased arrays and deployed in working systems, not handed off and forgotten. You'll have real ownership and a seat at the table on technical direction.

This position requires access to information controlled under ITAR/EAR; applicants must be U.S. persons as defined in 22 CFR 120.62.