Distinguished CAD Engineer

Distinguished Engineer, CAD Flows

Invent the future with us.

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 experienced and visionary Distinguished Engineer to lead the development and optimization of our CAD flows. This role requires deep expertise in EDA tools, semiconductor design methodologies, and flow automation to enable rapid, high-quality silicon delivery. As a technical leader, you will collaborate across architecture, design, verification, and manufacturing teams to define and implement cutting-edge CAD strategies that enhance productivity and chip performance.

What you’ll achieve:

• Define the global physical design methodology strategy across all phases: synthesis, floor planning, placement, clock tree synthesis (CTS), routing, timing closure, and physical verification.
• Architect and deploy advanced CAD flows to support complex, high-performance System-on-Chip (SoC) and Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) designs.
• Explore and integrate AI/ML-driven EDA features to optimize PPA and shorten turnaround times.
• Build and drive PPA optimization recipes for various sub systems
• Low Power flow enhancement to support multi-power domain (UPF)
• Drive innovation in hierarchical design, multi-die/chiplet integration, and IC Design methodologies.
• Allocate engineering resources efficiently to support concurrent, multi-project execution timelines.
• Develop a culture of continuous learning, automation, and technical excellence.
• Evaluate, benchmark, and select state-of-the-art EDA tools to improve engineering productivity and design quality.
• Drive the creation of robust scripting infrastructure (using Tcl, Python, Perl) to automate repetitive tasks and ensure flow consistency.
• Partner closely with RTL Design, DFT (Design for Test), Architecture, and Physical Implementation teams to ensure seamless handoffs and tool interoperability.
• Collaborate with external foundries to integrate Process Design Kits (PDKs) and resolve complex deep sub-micron physical effects (e.g., electromigration, IR drop, thermal management).
• Proficiency in EDA tool suites (e.g., Innovus, Fusion Compiler, Prime Time, Calibre)

• 15+ years of experience in semiconductor CAD/EDA development or flow engineering, preferably in CPU or high-performance SoC design environments
• Proven track record of leading complex CAD flow projects from concept through tapeout
• Deep knowledge of RTL synthesis, placement & routing, timing closure, signoff methodologies, and design for manufacturability
• Expertise with major EDA tools (Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor, etc.) and scripting languages (Tcl, Python, Perl)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to drive cross-functional collaboration
• Excellent communication skills and experience mentoring senior engineers
• Experience with cloud-based design environments and scalable compute infrastructure is a plus
• Electrical or Computer Engineering - Bachelor’s degree & 15 years of related experience; or Master's degree & 12 years; or PhD & 8 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 $279,500 and $419,500, except in the San Francisco Bay Area where the range is between $293,000 and $440,000. Our benefits include health, wellness, and financial programs that support employees through every stage of life.

Benefit highlights include:

• 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…