Physical Synthesis CAD Engineer

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

Do you want to directly impact the performance of every iPhone, iPad, and Mac? You'll push the boundaries of physical synthesis for Apple's cutting‑edge processors, solving problems that determine whether our next‑generation CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs can deliver breakthrough performance while maintaining industry‑leading power efficiency.

You’ll own the synthesis challenges that matter most to Apple Silicon. You will apply your hands‑on skills in developing, improving and supporting the implementation flow from RTL through GDS signoff. You will be directly responsible to improve physical synthesis techniques through innovative scripts, flows and automation. As the synthesis and flow expert, you’ll partner closely with design teams to define what works best for their specific challenges.

You’ll develop the methodologies, tools, and optimized flows that enable design teams to achieve breakthrough PPA results. You’ll push beyond conventional synthesis limits – developing innovative techniques and proving their effectiveness by running full validation flows from RTL through place‑and‑route and timing signoff to show actual PPA improvements. Your optimizations will directly translate to faster, more efficient Apple devices. You’ll work directly with EDA vendors to shape tool roadmaps, build custom solutions for problems that push beyond industry standards, and see your work ship in millions of devices.

• Develop breakthrough physical synthesis techniques and validate them with full implementation flows (PNR, STA, power analysis)
• Apply advanced RTL optimization techniques to achieve substantial improvements in performance, power, and area (PPA)
• Partner with design teams to define optimal methodologies and flows, enabling them to achieve superior PPA results
• Create custom tools and ML‑based methodologies for today's most challenging high‑performance, low‑power design problems
• Drive synthesis innovation that enables Apple's next‑generation processor architectures
• Influence EDA vendor tool development by solving the hardest problems
• Deploy solutions across multiple critical Apple Silicon projects

• Experience with TCL, Python or Perl scripting languages
• Experience with industry standard synthesis tools such as Fusion Compiler or Genus
• Experience working with CAD tools & flow
• Minimum requirement of BS + 10 years of relevant industry experience

• Demonstrated experience in implementation flows and methodologies (synthesis, PNR, STA sign‑off)
• Hands on knowledge of industry standard synthesis and PNR tools like Genus and Innovus
• Ability to analyze RTL structures and identify optimization opportunities
• Solid understanding of extraction and STA methodology and tools
• Experience with power analysis tools like PTPX is a plus
• Proficiency with TCL, Python or Perl scripting languages strongly preferred

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base pay range for this role is between $181,100 and $318,400, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition.

Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.

Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note:

Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.