Sr. Chip Physical Verification Engineer; Silicon Engineering

Sr. Full Chip Physical Verification Engineer (Silicon Engineering)

Irvine, CA

Space

X was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Space

X is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together.

We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best‑in‑class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious engineer who will work alongside world‑class cross‑disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering, ASIC implementation). In this role, you will be developing cutting‑edge next‑generation silicon for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable.

Your efforts will help deliver cutting‑edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.

• Own and execute full‑chip DRC, LVS, ESD, PERC and antenna signoff using industry standard tools like Calibre, ICV, or Pegasus
• Develop, maintain, and optimize physical verification flows for advanced node SoC’s
• Interpret and implement foundry Design Rule Manuals (DRM) – translate rule updates into verified flow changes
• Debug and resolve complex DRC/LVS violations across hierarchical full‑chip designs
• Perform ESD verification – validate protection strategies, current paths, and CDM/HBM compliance
• Drive tapeout readiness by coordinating signoff across block and top‑level and Hard IP design teams
• Engage directly with foundry teams to resolve DRM ambiguities and waiver requests
• Develop/modify design flows as needed to meet overall design quality of results and chip integration requirements. Leverage AI agents to automate rule deck validation, violation triage, and signoff reporting workflows

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science
• 5+ years of ASIC and/or physical design flow development experience in industry

• Experience and deep understanding of SOC top‑level physical design flows (floor‑planning, I/O, bump & RDL planning, hard IP integration, partitioning, power/ground grid generation, pin assignment, DFT, partition hardening, special clock handling, feed through flows, special interface/interconnect planning and implementation)
• Experience in IP integration (memories, I/O’s, analog IPs, Ser Des, DDR, etc.)
• Deep expertise in DRC, LVS, PERC and ESD verification methodologies
• Hands‑on proficiency with Calibre, ICV (IC Validator), or Pegasus
• Direct foundry DRM experience – able to read, interpret, and implement complex rule decks
• Experience at advanced nodes (4nm and below)
• Experience with large SOC designs (>10M gates) with frequencies in excess of 1 GHz
• Self‑driven individual with a can‑do attitude, and an ability to work in a dynamic group environment

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones

Pay range:
Physical Design Engineer/Senior: $160,000 – $225,000 per year.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You…