Low-Power SoC Physical Design Engineer; Digital

Overview

Low-Power SoC Physical Design Engineer (Digital). Wave Works is seeking a Digital Backend Implementation Engineering Contractor to join our Core Platform Engineering team. In this role, you will drive physical implementation of low-power digital designs for a wireless SoC, from RTL handoff through signoff. You’ll focus on synthesis, place & route, clocking, and power implementation, working closely with architecture, RTL, verification, and embedded/software teams to deliver robust, manufacturable silicon that meets aggressive power, performance, and area targets.

With our unique technology, Wave Works is positioned to meet the needs of a plethora of applications of wireless connectivity that are not well served by conventional wireless solutions. Join us as we work to capture this opportunity and become a significant force in wireless.

• Own digital backend implementation flows from synthesis through place & route and signoff for IP blocks and top-level SoCs.
• Implement and optimize multi-power-domain designs using UPF, including power gating, retention, isolation, and level shifters.
• Drive clock tree synthesis and optimization across complex multi-clock designs, balancing power, skew, latency, and robustness.
• Close timing, power, and area across all modes and corners, with particular emphasis on ultra-low-power (microwatt-class) operation.
• Analyze and resolve implementation issues related to congestion, routing, IR drop, EM, noise, and clocking.
• Collaborate closely with RTL, verification, and architecture teams to influence microarchitecture and coding styles for low-power and physical feasibility.
• Develop, maintain, and improve backend flows, scripts, and automation (Tcl/Python) for repeatable, scalable implementation.
• Support signoff activities including STA, power analysis, DRC/LVS handoff, and tapeout readiness.

• BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in digital backend implementation for ASICs or SoCs.
• Strong hands-on experience with synthesis and place & route tools for advanced nodes.
• Deep understanding of low-power digital design and implementation techniques.
• Practical experience implementing multi-power-domain systems using UPF.
• Strong background in clock tree synthesis, optimization, and debugging.
• Proficiency in timing analysis and closure across multiple modes, corners, and voltage domains.
• Solid scripting skills (Tcl, Python, bash) for flow automation and analysis.
• Ability to debug and root-cause complex physical implementation issues.

• Experience with ultra-low-power or energy-constrained SoCs (IoT, wireless, battery-powered systems).
• Experience working with multi-voltage, multi-frequency, and power-gated architectures.
• Familiarity with physical design considerations for RF-adjacent or mixed-signal SoCs.
• Experience influencing RTL or architectural decisions to improve power, timing, or routability.
• Experience with signoff power analysis, IR/EM analysis, and silicon correlation.
• Experience collaborating across design, verification, and firmware teams through tapeout and bring-up.

• Work on backend implementation challenges where microwatts matter and every decision impacts real-world battery life.
• Influence architecture, RTL, and methodology in a tightly integrated hardware team.
• Join a small team where physical implementation quality directly affects product success and tapeout readiness.

Wave Works is committed to a friendly and welcoming working environment. Wave Works does not discriminate based on race, gender, age, religious affiliation, or any other legally protected status.

Wave Works is located in downtown Seattle, Washington. The ideal candidate has ability to work on-site.