Cisco

Director, Physical Design & CAD Methodology (ASIC/SoC)

Cisco$230K — $325K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical or Computer Engineering with 10+ years in ASIC/SoC physical design and CAD methodology.
  • 5+ years in a leadership or managerial role.
  • Experience with advanced process geometries (7nm to 2nm).
  • Proficient in full RTL-to-GDSII design flows.
  • Skilled in physical verification, STA, sign-off processes, and power integrity issues.

Responsibilities

  • Define global physical design strategy across phases including floor planning and timing closure.
  • Architect and implement advanced CAD flows for SoC and ASIC designs.
  • Drive innovation in hierarchical design and multi-die integration.
  • Lead and mentor a team of CAD and design methodology engineers.
  • Efficiently allocate engineering resources for multi-project timelines.
  • Foster a culture of learning, automation, and excellence.
  • Act as a technical liaison with key EDA vendors.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with opportunities for continuous learning.
  • Access to state-of-the-art EDA tools and methodologies.
  • Opportunity to influence vendor product roadmaps and EDA tool selection.
  • Engagement in cutting-edge 2.5D/3D IC design methodologies.
  • Leadership role with a focus on mentoring and team development.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 06/29/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Your Impact
  • 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.
  • Drive innovation in hierarchical design, multi-die/chiplet integration, and 2.5D/3D IC Design methodologies.
  • Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of CAD and physical design methodology engineers.
  • Allocate engineering resources efficiently to support concurrent, multi-project execution timelines.
  • Develop a culture of continuous learning, automation, and technical excellence.
  • Serve as the primary technical liaison with major EDA vendors (e.g., Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens).
  • Evaluate, benchmark, and select state-of-the-art EDA tools to improve engineering productivity and design quality.
  • Negotiate tool licensing requirements, influence vendor product roadmaps, and manage the CAD budget.
  • Drive the creation of robust scripting infrastructure (using Tcl, Python, Perl) to automate repetitive tasks and ensure flow consistency.
  • Explore and integrate AI/ML-driven EDA features to optimize PPA and shorten turnaround times.
  • 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).


Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a highly related technical field with 10+ years of experience in ASIC/SoC physical design and CAD methodology.
  • 5+ years of experience in a formal leadership or people management role
  • Experience navigating the complexities of advanced process geometries (7nm, 5nm, 3nm and 2nm)
  • Experience with full RTL-to-GDSII design flows
  • Experience with physical verification (DRC, LVS, ERC), Static Timing Analysis (STA), sign-off processes, and power integrity (IR drop and electromigration)


Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficiency in EDA tool suites (e.g., Innovus, Fusion Compiler, PrimeTime, 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.
Learn more about Cisco
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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