Physical Verification Engineer; ASIC Design

Physical Verification Engineer (ASIC Design)

Job Title: Physical Verification Engineer (ASIC Design)
Location: USA & Canada (Remote is OK, Phoenix or Ottawa preferred)

As a Physical Verification Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring that ASIC layouts meet all foundry design rules and manufacturing requirements. You will own the sign‑off verification process—performing DRC, LVS, ERC, and other checks to ensure design integrity, manufacturability, and compliance with foundry specifications. Working closely with layout, physical design, and CAD teams, you’ll help deliver clean, tape‑out‑ready GDS data for complex SoC and ASIC designs.

• Perform physical verification of full‑chip and block‑level layouts, including DRC, LVS, ERC, antenna checks, density checks, and metal fill verification.
• Debug and resolve DRC/LVS violations by collaborating with physical design, layout, and circuit design teams.
• Execute foundry sign‑off checks using advanced process technology nodes (e.g., 5 nm, 7 nm, 16 nm).
• Manage and maintain PV runsets, verification scripts, and rule decks provided by foundries.
• Automate repetitive tasks and improve verification efficiency using Tcl, Python, or Perl scripting.
• Validate hierarchical verification flows (chip‑level and block‑level integration).
• Ensure compliance with electromigration (EM), IR drop, and reliability requirements in conjunction with sign‑off teams.
• Support tape‑out preparation, including GDS merging, data integrity checks, and final report generation.
• Collaborate with CAD and methodology teams to refine verification flows and integrate new EDA tools or rule decks.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.

• 10+ years of experience in ASIC or SoC physical verification or layout sign‑off.
• Hands‑on experience with sign‑off tools such as Mentor Graphics Calibre (Calibre DRC/LVS/PERC), Synopsys ICV / Hercules, Cadence Pegasus / Assura.
• Familiarity with advanced CMOS technology nodes and foundry rule decks.
• Understanding of physical design flows (floor planning, place & route, extraction, and timing closure). Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong proficiency in Tcl, Python, or Shell scripting for automation;
  Experience with GDSII/OASIS data formats and layout editing tools (e.g., Virtuoso, KLayout, or ICC2 GUI);
  Knowledge of PDK (Process Design Kit) components and foundry deliverables;
  Understanding of timing, power, and signal integrity interactions from a physical verification standpoint.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities for root‑cause debugging of complex layout issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional design and CAD teams under tight tape‑out schedules.
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to producing sign‑off–quality results.
• Clear communication and strong documentation skills.

• Experience with multi‑voltage designs and low‑power verification (UPF/CPF).
• Familiarity with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and lithography‑aware verification.
• Exposure to analog/mixed‑signal layout verification.
• Participation in full‑chip tape‑outs for production silicon.