Staff Engineer, SRAM Circuit Design

Samsung Semiconductor Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4+ weeks paid time off

Charitable giving match

Fertility/adoption stipend

Medical travel support

Onsite cafe & gym

Job summary

Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. seeks a Staff Engineer to lead end-to-end SRAM circuit design for next-generation memory solutions. You will drive design of SRAM arrays, bit cells, decoders and sense amps across cutting-edge process nodes, while mentoring junior engineers and shaping design methodologies.

You will optimize performance, power and area, develop layouts, and run extensive simulations to ensure silicon success, contributing to patents and industry advancements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in EE with 10+ years, or Master's with 8+ years preferred.
• Experience in SRAM or memory circuit design on advanced nodes.
• Strong device physics understanding and process technology knowledge.
• Expertise in SRAM architecture including bitcells, sense amps, drivers and read/write paths.
• Proficiency with circuit simulation and variation analysis.
• Scripting in Python, Perl, TCL for design automation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop SRAM memory arrays with bit cells, sense amplifiers, decoders and control circuits for advanced nodes (2nm–5nm).
• Optimize SRAM for performance, power and area, and improve yield.
• Develop layouts and perform DRC/LVS, verify physical design.
• Evaluate speed/power/area trade-offs to meet targets.
• Create design methodologies and automation scripts for design and verification.
• Collaborate with product/test teams to support silicon bring-up.
• Mentor junior engineers on SRAM design techniques.
• Perform extensive circuit simulations with HSPICE, Spectre to validate functionality.
• Contribute to patents and papers to advance SRAM tech.

Skills

SRAM design

HSPICE

Cadence Spectre

layout design

Python scripting

team leadership

memory architecture

DFM

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

HSPICE

Cadence Virtuoso

Cadence Spectre

DRC/LVS

Job description

Please Note:

To provide the best candidate experience amidst our high application volumes, each candidate is limited to 10 applications across all open jobs within a 6-month period.

Advancing the World's Technology Together

Our technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, you'll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what's possible and powering the future.

We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We're dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, we're building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.

What You'll Do

We are looking for a passionate and experienced StaffEngineer, SRAM Circuit Design to lead the development of next-generation SRAM solutions. In this position, you will drive end-to-end design of high-performance, low-power memory circuits used in cutting-edge semiconductor products. Your work will directly influence the power, performance, and area (PPA) efficiency of future computing, mobile, and AI platforms.

This role combines deep technical expertise with strategic team leadership, offering the opportunity to innovate at the forefront of semiconductor design.

• Design and develop SRAM memory arrays, including bit cells, sense amplifiers, decoders and control circuits for advanced process nodes (e.g., 2nm, 3nm and 5nm).
• Optimize SRAM designs for performance, power and area (PPA) and yield.
• Develop custom layouts and perform physical design verifications (e.g., DRC, LVS).
• Evaluate trade-offs between speed, power, and area to meet design targets.
• Develop and improve SRAM design methodologies, including automation scripts for design, simulation, and verification.
• Work with product and test engineers to develop test plans and support silicon bring-up.
• Mentor Junior engineers, providing guidance on SRAM design techniques and best practices.
• Perform extensive circuit simulations using tools like HSPICE, finesim or cadence Spectre to validate SRAM functionality and performance.
• Contribute to patents, technical papers, or industry conferences to advance SRAM technology.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with 10+ years of industry experience or master's degree in electrical engineering with 8+ years of experience strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in SRAM or memory circuit design, with a proven track record of delivering SRAM designs in advanced process nodes.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor devices physics and process technology (FinFET, GAA, SOI, etc.).
• Expertise in SRAM architecture, including bitcells, sense amplifiers, write drivers, and read/write control paths.
• Familiarity with timing analysis, power analysis, and design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Proficiency in circuit simulation, variation analysis, and design tools such as Spectre, HSPICE, Cadence Virtuoso, etc.
• Knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python, Perl, TCL) for automation of design tasks.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills for working with design, layout, verification, and technology development teams.
• Experience with advanced technology nodes (e.g., 5nm, 3nm, or beyond).
• Knowledge of SRAM compiler development and experience with low-power SRAM design techniques (e.g., power gating, voltage scaling).
• Background in silicon debug and root-cause analysis.
• You're inclusive, adapting your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people.
• An avid learner, you approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.
• You're collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.
• Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change.

#LI-SF1

What We Offer

• The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Paywithin this range varies by work locationand may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills,and experience. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.
• This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision/401k, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves. An investment in your future is an investment in ours.
• Give Back With a charitable giving match and frequent opportunities to get involved, we take an active role in supporting the community.
• Enjoy Time Away You'll start with 4+ weeks of paid time off a year, plus holidays and sick leave, to rest and recharge.
• Care for Family Whatever family means to you, we want to support you along the way-including a stipend for fertility care or adoption, medical travel support, and virtual vet care for your fur babies.
• Prioritize Emotional Wellness With on-demand apps and free confidential therapy sessions, you'll have support no matter where you are.
• Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Cafe and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.
• Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. That's why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.

Base Pay Range

$163,000 - $253,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Samsung Semiconductor takes pride in being an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.

When selecting team members, we prioritize talent and qualities such as humility, kindness, and dedication. We extend comprehensive accommodations throughout our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, neurodivergent individuals, or those requiring pregnancy-related support. All candidates scheduled for an interview will receive guidance on requesting accommodations.

Our Commitment to Innovation and Fairness

At Samsung Semiconductor, we use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the recruitment process to enhance efficiency. However, AI is used as a support tool, not a final decision-maker. All hiring decisions are made by our human recruiting team and hiring managers to ensure every candidate is evaluated fairly and holistically.

Recruiting Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes. Only authorized recruitment agencies that have a current and valid agreement with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. are permitted to submit resumes for any job openings.

Applicant AI Use Policy

At Samsung Semiconductor, we support innovation and technology. However, to ensure a fair and authentic assessment, we ask that candidates rely on their own knowledge and skills throughout the process. AI tools may be used for basic preparation, grammar, and research, but should not be used to generate or assist with submitted content or live interview responses. If we determine that AI is being used outside these guidelines, we reserve the right to pause or end the interview, and your candidacy may be disqualified.

Trade Secret Notice

By submitting an application, you agree not to disclose to Samsung-or encourage Samsung to use-any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to a current or former employer or other entity.

Applicant Privacy Policy

https://semiconductor.samsung.com/about-us/careers/us/privacy/