Standard Cell Design Lead

Substrate; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor technology company is seeking a Standard Cell Design Lead to develop and optimize standard cell libraries. You will lead efforts in cell characterization and library validation, working on innovative solutions within a dynamic team. This role is based in San Francisco and requires 10+ years of experience in standard cell design and deep technical expertise in digital design flows. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in standard cell design, library development and characterization.
• Deep understanding of standard cell architecture, layout, and optimization strategies.
• Strong background in cell characterization and Liberty timing model generation.

Responsibilities

• Lead standard cell library development including logic gates, flip-flops, and complex cells.
• Optimize cell layouts for power, performance and area across Vth’s and drive strengths.
• Characterize cell library including timing, power, and noise analysis for library models.
• Collaborate with PDK and process teams to ensure cell performance meets targets.

Skills

Standard cell design

Library development

Cell characterization

Power analysis

Layout optimization

Education

Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Cadence Virtuoso

Synopsys Custom Compiler

SPICE simulation

Job description

Standard Cell Design Lead

Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems facing the United States. At the intersection of advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge physics, we are developing technologies that will reshape the semiconductor industry and strengthen America's technological leadership. We are a team of world‑class scientists, engineers, and technical experts building technology for the United States.

Summary

As a Standard Cell Design Lead, you will develop and optimize standard cell libraries while leading cell characterization and library validation efforts. This role requires deep expertise in digital cell design, layout, and timing characterization combined with strong understanding of library requirements for digital design flows. You will work across multiple locations including external fabrication facilities. This is a full-time, onsite position.

Responsibilities

• Lead standard cell library development including logic gates, flip‑flops, and complex cells

• Optimize cell layouts for power, performance and area across Vth’s and drive strengths

• Characterize cell library including timing, power, and noise analysis for library models

• Develop Liberty (.lib) timing files and LEF physical abstractions for EDA tool integration

• Collaborate with PDK and process teams to ensure cell performance meets targets

• Implement DFM techniques and validate cells against DRC/LVS rules

• Support all DFT fault models including cell aware, physical aware, stuck‑at and transition

• Optimize cell architectural requirements including multi‑Vt and multi‑channel options

• Lead library validation and qualification across distributed design and fabrication teams

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in standard cell design, library development and characterization

• Deep understanding of standard cell architecture, layout, and optimization strategies

• Strong background in cell characterization and Liberty timing model generation

• Experience with layout tools (Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Custom Compiler, or similar)

• Proficiency with characterization tools and SPICE simulation for timing/power analysis

• Proven ability to balance area, performance, and power trade‑offs in cell design

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

• Experience with advanced node standard cells or FinFET/GAA library development

• Background in low‑power design techniques and multi‑threshold voltage libraries

• Familiarity with EDA flows and library integration requirements

• Experience in research‑driven or startup semiconductor environments

Salary Range

$150,000‑$400,000 USD

Substrate is an equal opportunity employer. It provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Substrate will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.