Principal Physical Design Engineer

Technology, Data & Digital · Software & Web Development · Software Engineering

In short

Synopsys is seeking a Principal Physical Design Engineer with over 15 years of experience in semiconductor physical design. The role involves leading physical design engagements for customers using advanced nodes, developing and optimizing methodologies for PPA and runtime, and building automation frameworks using Python and Tcl. The position requires fluency in Korean and English and offers the opportunity to influence Synopsys' product roadmap and shape the future of physical design.

Responsibilities

Lead physical design engagements for strategic semiconductor customers working on advanced-node designs, from floorplanning through signoff
Develop and optimize RTL-to-GDSII methodologies that improve PPA, reduce runtime, and accelerate design closure for production tapeouts
Build automation frameworks using Python and Tcl that solve real productivity bottlenecks in placement, CTS, routing, and timing closure workflows
Collaborate with Product Engineering and global R&D teams to validate new Synopsys implementation technologies and translate customer feedback into product requirements
Drive technical evaluations and benchmarking programs that demonstrate measurable improvements in customer design metrics
Support advanced-node enablement and DTCO initiatives in partnership with foundries and customer design teams
Mentor engineers across the Korea team and contribute to technical leadership on methodology development and customer engagement strategy

Requirements

BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
15+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor physical design, implementation methodologies, or EDA development
Deep expertise across the RTL-to-GDSII flow including floorplanning, placement optimization, clock tree synthesis, routing, timing closure, power optimization, and physical verification
Strong proficiency in Python and Tcl for building automation frameworks and productivity tools
Demonstrated experience working directly with semiconductor customers to solve complex implementation challenges and deploy methodologies in production environments
Fluency in Korean and English with the ability to lead technical discussions, present to executive stakeholders, and document methodologies in both languages

Desired Qualifications

Experience with Fusion Compiler, IC Compiler II, PrimeTime, or equivalent implementation and signoff tools is a strong plus

Benefits

Comprehensive medical and healthcare plans
ETO and FTO Programs
Maternity and paternity leave, parenting resources, adoption and surrogacy assistance
Purchase Synopsys common stock at a 15% discount, with a 24 month look-back
Retirement plans
Competitive salaries

Skills

PythonTclRTL-to-GDSIIFloorplanningPlacementClock Tree SynthesisRoutingTiming ClosurePower OptimizationPhysical VerificationFusion CompilerIC Compiler IIPrimeTime

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About Synopsys Inc

Smart, Secure Everything—From Silicon to Software Synopsys technology is at the heart of innovations that are changing the way we live and work. The Internet of Things. Autonomous cars. Wearables. Smart medical devices. Secure financial services. Machine learning and computer vision. These breakthroughs are ushering in the era of Smart, Secure Everything―where devices are getting smarter, everything’s connected, and everything must be secure. Powering this new era of technology are advanced silicon chips, which are made even smarter by the remarkable software that drives them. Synopsys is at…

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