Physical Design Engineer

Physical Design Engineer Overview

An opportunity is available for an experienced Physical Design Engineer to join a fast-growing engineering team working on next-generation compute architectures. The organisation is developing high-performance CPU technology that is both powerful and energy efficient, using the most advanced semiconductor process nodes. This role sits within a world-class engineering environment and offers the chance to contribute directly to the implementation of cutting-edge CPU IP.

The position is suited to someone who enjoys working on complex CPU cores and wants to be involved in the full physical design process. You will help deliver industry-leading performance, power, and area results while also contributing to improvements in design methodology and implementation flow. The work is technically demanding and highly collaborative, with close interaction across multiple specialist engineering disciplines.

What you will do

• Take responsibility for the physical implementation of advanced CPU blocks, starting from synthesis and continuing through to final sign-off.
• Manage key physical design tasks including floorplanning, power network planning, placement, clock tree synthesis, routing, and physical verification.
• Work side by side with RTL, architecture, STA, and methodology teams to improve design quality and optimise performance, power, and area.
• Track down and resolve implementation issues such as timing failures, congestion, excessive power, and DRC/LVS problems throughout the design cycle.
• Develop automation and improve implementation flows and methodologies using scripting languages such as TCL, Python, or Perl.
• Support closure on advanced process technologies and help establish best-practice approaches that can be reused on future projects.
• Collaborate with engineers across functions to help deliver robust silicon on aggressive schedules.

What the employer is looking for

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or another relevant discipline.
• Strong practical background in physical design for complex ASICs or CPU/SoC implementations.
• Experience covering the full implementation flow, including floorplanning, place and route, CTS, and physical sign-off.
• Working knowledge of industry-standard EDA tools such as Innovus, ICC2, Fusion Compiler, or equivalent tools.
• Solid understanding of timing closure, power reduction techniques, and physical verification methods.
• Confident scripting skills in TCL, Python, or Perl.
• Experience with advanced process technologies and challenging CPU or ASIC projects would be highly relevant.

What is on offer

• An attractive base salary.
• A bonus scheme.
• Restricted stock units as part of the package.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• The chance to work on industry-leading CPU technology at advanced process nodes.
• A technically stimulating role within a highly regarded engineering organisation.

Additional information

The role is based in Cambridgeshire, England, and the advert highlights flexible work options. The opportunity is presented by IC Resources Recruitment, and interested candidates are invited to apply now or contact Jordan Browne for more information. The listing also provides a direct contact route by phone or email for further discussion about the position.

To apply, use the application option provided on the listing or contact Jordan Browne at IC Resources for more details.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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