Principal Physical Design Engineer

Description

Ampere is a semiconductor design company for a new era, leading the future of computing with an innovative approach to CPU design focused on high-performance, energy efficient AI compute. As a pioneer in the new frontier of energy efficient high-performance computing, Ampere is part of the Softbank Group of companies driving sustainable computing for AI, Cloud, and edge applications. Join us at Ampere and work alongside a passionate and growing team—we’d love to have you apply!

Ampere Computing is seeking a highly skilled engineer to join our physical design team with a focus on both CPU/GPU physical design and interconnect integration/implementation for CPU and GPU products. This role requires deep expertise in high-speed and power efficient physical design and methodologies with hands‑on experience implementing CPU/GPU & interconnect networks to deliver robust, high-performance silicon solutions. You will collaborate closely with Architects, RTL designers, packaging team, and timing, power & DFT teams to ensure robust, high-performance designs that meet stringent timing, power, and area requirements.

• Interconnect floor planning iterations, partitioning, pin-placement, wire planning, clock distribution network.
• Working with Architecture, RTL and timing teams for optimal floorplan from system performance point of view.
• Implement power and clock domain crossing with UPF and timing methodologies.
• Converge timing on high speed interface with appropriate methods of clock balancing and skewing.
• Lead and execute physical design tasks for CPU/GPU blocks including floor planning, placement, clock tree synthesis, routing, and optimization.
• Collaborate with RTL designers and timing engineers to achieve timing closure, power targets, and area goals.
• Perform physical verification and signoff checks ensuring design compliance with foundry rules and design specifications.
• Analyze and resolve physical design issues such as congestion, timing violations, and signal integrity challenges.
• Develop scripts and automation flows to improve design efficiency and quality.
• Address interconnect-related challenges such as crosstalk, IR drop, electromigration, and noise.
• Document design methodologies, best practices, and integration guidelines specific to Ampere’s CPU/GPU physical design flows.
• Collaborate and work with cross geo teams in India & Vietnam.

• Experience in high performance/low power physical design with a focus on CPU and/or GPU architectures.
• Proven expertise in both CPU physical design and interconnect integration/implementation.
• Solid understanding of timing analysis, signal integrity, power integrity, electromigration, and advanced process technologies (7nm, 5nm, or below).
• Deep understanding of semiconductor device physics, interconnect materials, and advanced process technologies (7nm, 5nm, or below).
• Strong proficiency with EDA tools such as Cadence Innovus, Synopsys ICC2, Mentor Calibre, and parasitic extraction tools (StarRC, Quantus).
• Experience with scripting languages (Tcl, Python) for automation and tool customization.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with design, verification, and manufacturing teams.
• Electrical or Computer Engineering - Bachelor’s degree & 8 years of related experience; or Master's degree & 6 years; or PhD & 3 years.

At Ampere we believe in taking care of our employees and providing a competitive total rewards package that includes base pay, cash long-term incentive, and comprehensive benefits. The full base pay range for this role is between $152,500 and $254,000. Our benefits include health, wellness, and financial programs that support employees through every stage of life, with full benefits eligibility at 20 hours per week.

• Premium medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, as well as income protection and a 401K retirement plan, so that you can feel secure in your health and financial future.
• Unlimited Flextime and 10+ paid holidays so that you can embrace a healthy work-life balance.
• A variety of healthy snacks, energizing espresso, and refreshing drinks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.

Ampere is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, age, veteran and/or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.