Cisco

ASIC Physical Design Engineer

Cisco$167K — $245K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering + 5 years of relevant experience, or Master's + 2 years, or PhD with no experience required.
  • Hands-on experience in ASIC physical design and implementation.
  • Familiarity with hierarchical floor planning and timing closure methodologies.
  • Experience with power integrity analysis on large designs exceeding 100M gates.
  • Background in advanced semiconductor nodes (sub-16nm to 2nm).

Responsibilities

  • Drive RTL-to-GDSII implementation for semiconductor nodes down to 2nm.
  • Define and execute strategies for floor planning, routing, and timing convergence.
  • Conduct static timing analysis and sign-offs for multi-mode designs.
  • Manage timing ECO strategies with tools such as Prime Closure/PrimeTime.
  • Identify and recommend improvements in design flows and methodologies.
  • Collaborate across teams to enhance design implementation efficiency.
  • Explore and implement new timing methodologies and provide innovative debugging solutions.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge semiconductor technology.
  • Collaboration with leading experts in the field.
  • Access to advanced EDA tools and methodologies.
  • Contributions to best practices that shape industry standards.
  • Potential for career growth in a fast-evolving technology landscape.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 10/08/2026Your Impact

As a Physical Design Engineer, you will play a key role in the full RTL-to-GDSII implementation flow for advanced semiconductor nodes. You will optimize floor planning and timing, analyze and improve backend design flows, and collaborate across teams to ensure the successful delivery of high-performance networking chips. You will:

  • Own and drive RTL-to-GDSII implementation for advanced nodes (sub-16nm to 2nm).
  • Define and execute hierarchical floor planning, place and route, clock and power distribution, and timing convergence strategies.
  • Perform static timing analysis (STA), setup reviews, and sign-offs for multi-mode/multi-corner designs; develop automated scripts within STA tools.
  • Implement and manage timing ECO strategies using tools like Prime Closure/PrimeTime.
  • Analyze quality and efficiency gaps, recommend tool, flow, and methodology improvements.
  • Collaborate with RTL, DFT, EDA vendors, and tool owners to drive design and implementation efficiency.
  • Evaluate and implement new timing methodologies; provide creative debugging solutions.
  • Contribute to best practices and drive methodology alignment across projects.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering+ 5 years of related experience, or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering+ 2 years of related experience, or PhD in Electrical Engineering 0+ years of related experience.
  • Hands-on experience in ASIC physical design and implementation.
  • Experience working with hierarchical floorplanning, clock and power distribution, global signal and I/O planning along with physical convergence, timing closure, and hierarchical design methodology.
  • Prior experience with power integrity analysis and working on designs >100M gates in advanced nodes (16nm, 14nm, 7nm, 5nm, 3nm, 2nm).


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Scripting using languages such as TCL, Python and efficient use of AI tools.
  • Place & Route experience using tools such as Cadence Innovus or Synopsys FC.
  • Synthesis experience including Cadence Genus/Synopsys FC.
  • Formal Verification experience using tools such Synopsys Formality or Cadence LEC
  • Experience with Static Timing Analysis including tools such as PrimeTime-DMSA.
  • Experience with Power Integrity including tools such as Apache Redhawk/Voltus
  • Physical Verification experience including tools such as Synopsys ICV or Mentor Calibre.

About Cisco

Cisco Careers

Join the vibrant team at Cisco, a global leader in networking and cybersecurity solutions, where innovation and leadership thrive. Cisco offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and experiences, making it an ideal place for both seasoned professionals and those seeking an internship to jumpstart their career. Work You’ll Do At Cisco, you’ll be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Engage in work that matters with a team that combines technology, creativity, and the power of human connection to redefine networking. Cisco’s commitment to innovation isn’t just about technology, but also about transforming the way we work and collaborate. Cisco’s employment philosophy supports career advancement and nurtures a leadership pipeline that is equipped with diversity training and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re applying your skills to drive our latest innovations or using our vast networking capabilities to solve complex problems, at Cisco, every role is impactful. Join Our Dynamic Team Explore job opportunities in areas ranging from engineering to marketing, sales to cybersecurity. Cisco is hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and ready to drive change. Positions at Cisco offer competitive benefits, a supportive culture, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Cisco internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build professional networks that last a lifetime. Our internships provide hands-on experience and the chance to work on projects that matter. Leadership and Development Cisco is committed to fostering leadership skills and providing employees with the training needed to succeed. Our leadership programs help you develop new skills, manage teams effectively, and lead with confidence. Cisco’s commitment to professional development ensures that your career path is as dynamic as our technologies. Benefits and Culture Cisco understands the importance of a balanced life. Our benefits package is designed to ensure that our team members are healthy, happy, and secure. At Cisco, you’ll find a supportive culture that encourages open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect. Stay Connected Join Cisco’s Talent Network Stay informed about new positions that match your skills and interests. At Cisco, we value the curiosity and unique perspectives of our team members. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and insider tips directly from our hiring managers. Explore Cisco Jobs Ready to advance your career at Cisco? Search open positions, prepare your resume, and get ready for an interview that could lead to your next big opportunity. At Cisco, we’re not just filling positions—we’re investing in leaders. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at Cisco.
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Size
79,500 employees
Market Cap
$194.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$10.1 billion
Founded
2014
5 Year Trend
+1.4%
Revenue
$48 billion
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