Static Timing Analysis Design Engineer / Physical Design

NXP Semiconductors NV; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

NXP Semiconductors in Austin, TX seeks an experienced SoC STA engineer to own end-to-end timing signoff across complex designs. You will drive constraint creation, validate with frontend, IP, and DFT teams, and collaborate with implementation to close timing at advanced nodes.

The role emphasizes scripting (Python, TCL, Perl) for timing ECOs, AI-assisted automation, and continuous methodology improvements to boost design quality and productivity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical/Electronics Engineering or related field.
• 3–6 years of experience in ASIC/SoC Timing Analysis.
• Strong knowledge of industry STA tools (Synopsys flows).
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end Constraints and Timing Signoff.
• Drive Timing Constraints Creation and Validation.
• Validate Constraints with Frontend, IP and DFT teams and resolve timing issues.
• Close Timing with Implementation team and Full Chip STA team.
• Provide timing feedback and develop automated/manual timing fixes.

Skills

Communication skills

STA experience

SoC timing analysis

Python

TCL

Perl

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical/Electronics Engineering or related field

Tools

Synopsys flows

Python

TCL

Perl

Job description

We are seeking an experienced engineer for SoC Static Timing Analysis for advanced semiconductor products. This role will own end-to-end Timing Constraints and Static Timing Analysis across complex designs, driving initial constraints development and timing correlation in early stages to final Timing Signoff for cutting-edge technology nodes. This role would work with implementation engineers from synthesis through final timing closure to close timing, including timing correlation, debugging failing timing paths, providing timing ECOs (automated and manual). The ideal candidate demonstrates technical timing and constraints expertise to close timing on a given design on silicon along with capability of using timing analysis tools to correlate timing and generate automate as well as manual timing fixes.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Constraints and Timing Signoff Ownership
• Drive Timing Constraints Creation and Validation
• Work with Frontend, IP and DFT teams to Validate Constraints, Resolve timing issues
• Work hand-in-hand with Implementation owner(s) and Full Chip STA team to close Timing
• Timing Correlation and Timing Path Debug from synthesis through timing signoff
• Provide timing feedback during all design stages
• Create Automated and Manual timing fixes for implementation
• Team Leadership & Organization Development
• Participate career development.
• Interface with Implementation owner(s) and Full Chip STA team.
• Technical Strategy & Innovation
• Provide feedback to improve scalability, productivity, and design quality through methodology enhancements to leadership
• Cross-Functional & Ecosystem Engagement
• Collaborate with Frontend, IP and DFT teams for Constraint Validation and Timing Issues
• Support post-silicon bring-up, yield improvement, and production ramp activities.

Core Technical Expertise

• STA and signoff methodologies
• Timing ECO Generation (automated and manual)
• Constraints Development and Validation
• Advanced node implementation (≤ 16nm / 5nm)
• Scripting in Python, TCL, and Perl
• Familiarity with using AI to generate scripts

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical / Electronics Engineering or related field
• 3-6 years of experience in ASIC / SoC Timing Analysis
• Strong knowledge of industry STA tools (Synopsys flows)
• Strong communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-reliability SoCs
• Exposure to AI-driven design methodologies and automation

Why This Role Matters

• Timing closure of flagship SoCs at advanced nodes
• Direct impact on silicon success and product competitiveness

More information about NXP in the United States...

NXP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status as a disabled veteran and/or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NXP will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.