Ampere Computing

Distinguished CAD Engineer

Ampere Computing$279K — $419K *
Technical Services
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years in semiconductor CAD/EDA development or flow engineering, ideally with CPU or high-performance SoC designs
  • Proven leadership in executing complex CAD flow projects from concept to tapeout
  • In-depth knowledge of RTL synthesis, placement & routing, timing closure, and DFM
  • Expertise in major EDA tools (Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor) and scripting languages (Tcl, Python, Perl)
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and experience in cross-functional collaboration
  • Excellent communication skills with experience mentoring senior engineers
  • Familiarity with cloud-based design environments and scalable compute infrastructure is advantageous

Responsibilities

  • Define global physical design methodology across all development phases
  • Architect and deploy advanced CAD flows for complex SoC and ASIC designs
  • Integrate AI/ML-driven EDA features for optimization and efficiency
  • Enhance low power flow to support multi-power domain designs
  • Drive innovation in multi-die/chiplet integration and IC design methodologies
  • Allocate engineering resources for concurrent multi-project timelines
  • Develop a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence
  • Automate repetitive tasks with strong scripting infrastructure
  • Evaluate and select state-of-the-art EDA tools to boost productivity
  • Collaborate with external foundries on PDK integration and physical effects management

Benefits

  • Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance along with income protection and 401K
  • Unlimited flextime and 10+ paid holidays for a healthy work-life balance
  • Variety of healthy snacks, energizing espresso, and refreshing drinks to keep employees focused throughout the day
Full Job Description
About the role:

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, PrimeTime, Calibre)

About you:

  • 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

What we'll offer:

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 10+ paid holidays so that you can embrace a healthy work-life balance.
  • A variety of healthy snacks, energizing espresso, and refreshing drinks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.

And there is much more than compensation and benefits. At Ampere, we foster an inclusive culture that empowers our employees to do more and grow more. We are excited to share more about our career opportunities with you through the interview process.

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About Ampere Computing

Ampere Computing is a semiconductor company that designs and manufactures high-performance processors for cloud and edge computing. The company's processors are based on the Arm architecture and are optimized for power efficiency and performance. Ampere Computing was founded in 2017 by former Intel president Renee James and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Learn more about Ampere Computing
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2017

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