Apple

Physical Design Sign-off Engineer

Apple$150K — $180K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Computer Science or related field with 10+ years of experience
  • Proficient in Python, Perl, or Tcl programming
  • Hands-on experience with tools like Cadence Innovus and Synopsys ICC2
  • Experience with physical implementation and signoff processes
  • Knowledge in timing closure and low-power design techniques
  • Strong communication skills for collaboration across teams
  • Understanding of trade-offs to meet power, performance, and area (PPA) targets

Responsibilities

  • Develop and enhance Signoff dashboards and CAD flow metrics
  • Build data visualization tools for Signoff processes
  • Support and maintain backend services and APIs
  • Develop interactive frontend dashboards
  • Interface with design and CAD teams for application development
  • Integrate AI features and capabilities into the platform
  • Contribute to evolving platform with modern software practices

Benefits

  • Mentorship opportunities within a leading tech company
  • Collaborative work environment focused on cutting-edge technologies
  • Access to professional development resources and training
  • Health and wellness programs
  • Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance
Full Job Description
We're seeking a CAD Engineer to join our team and develop full-stack web applications that power the Signoff infrastructure across all Apple SOC design groups within the Hardware Tech group. Signoff is the critical final verification stage in chip design where designs are validated against manufacturing, timing, and power criteria before tapeout. This role focuses on building and enhancing Signoff dashboards, CAD flow metrics collection, and data visualization tools that design and CAD teams rely on daily. You'll also participate in the development of our Signoff AI assistant and integrate modern AI/RAG capabilities into our platform.

Description

The Signoff Infrastructure developer will develop, support, and enhance the Signoff dashboards, CAD flow metrics collection, and visualization tools used for Signoff by all Apple SOC design groups. We are looking for a passionate, self-driven software engineer with the ability to work on complex software, a team player who pays a high level of attention to detail, strives for software quality, and prefers a test-driven development approach. The role requires providing Signoff infrastructure support and interfacing with the design and CAD teams to develop high-impact web applications to improve our Signoff process. You'll work across the full stack using Python and JavaScript/TypeScript, build and maintain backend services and APIs, develop interactive frontend dashboards, and work with SQL databases to manage and query enterprise-scale design data. As our platform evolves, you'll also contribute to integrating RAG and AI-powered features to enhance how teams discover and interact with Signoff data.

Minimum Qualifications

BS in Computer Science or related field with 10+ years of relevant industry experience

Proficient in programming using Python, Perl or Tcl

Hands-on experience with industry PNR and timing tools such as Cadence Innovus, Synopsys ICC2 / Fusion Compiler, PrimeTime, or Tempus

Experience taking block-level or chip-level designs through physical implementation and signoff closure on production silicon

Experience in timing closure, signal integrity, low-power design techniques, and clock-tree construction

Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across design, CAD, and technology teams

Understanding of tradeoffs to meet PPA (power, performance, area) targets, and experience defining implementation recipes to improve PPA

Preferred Qualifications

Background in Chip Design, Chip Verification, or CAD

Experience with embedding models and LLM integration patterns

Understanding of RAG pipelines, including embeddings, chunking, and retrieval optimization

Experience with vector databases

Experience with containers and Kubernetes

Experience with monitoring and observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana)

Test-driven development experience in production environments

About Apple

Apple is a corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple provides many products and services, including iPhone; iPad; iPod; Mac; Apple TV; a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications; the iOS and OS X operating systems; iCloud; and accessories, service, and support offerings. It sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, direct sales force and third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers to the consumer and also sells third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software and accessories through its online and retail stores. Introduced in 1984, the Macintosh was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). That feature and others such as an improved floppy drive design and a low-cost hard drive that made data retrieval faster helped Apple cultivate a reputation for innovation. Apple was named as the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world from 2008 to 2012 by the Fortune magazine. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Gerald Wayne on April 1, 1976, and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Apple Careers

Join Apple, a place where extraordinary people gather to do their best work. Our ever-expanding global team is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the tech industry. At Apple, we're not just building products—we're crafting the kind of wonder that revolutionizes entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Work You’ll Do Embark on a journey with Apple’s market-leading team to help some of the world’s most influential companies navigate their path to digital mastery with cutting-edge technology and services. Transform industries and touch lives with your unique ideas at Apple. Here, you’ll lead through a unique position at the intersection of technology, creativity, and robust industry expertise. Collaborate with a global team of professionals who are at the top of their game in technology and design. Apple isn’t just a company, it’s a community of innovators and passionate thinkers. Introducing the Apple Innovation and Leadership Initiative We are building a market-leading team to drive our efforts in delivering groundbreaking solutions and services. At Apple, job opportunities are abundant, offering you the chance to explore diverse roles from engineering to marketing, all designed to empower your career growth. Do Innovative Work Join the largest group of creative and technical experts in the world—professionals dedicated to redefining what’s possible through technology and innovation. Deliver targeted solutions through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s unmatched, driving forward our commitment to excellence and leadership in every project we undertake. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in a wide range of projects utilizing Apple’s technology and resources. Harness the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development that only Apple can offer. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with limitless opportunities at Apple. Go as far as your ambition takes you with unmatched training, development, and certification support. Explore Discover how Apple is leading the way in tech innovation: [With iOS] Businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions... READ MORE Smart home technology integration that sets the standard for convenience and security... READ MORE The Apple Experience Our combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients overcome challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide look to Apple for new strategies and solutions that drive growth and innovation in the digital era. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re seeking a professional role, an internship, or a leadership position, Apple offers a variety of employment opportunities. SEARCH APPLE JOBS 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 Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Apple, a company committed to diversity, innovation, and leadership. Explore job opportunities, employment benefits, and the culture of growth and innovation at Apple. Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and ready yourself for a career at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Learn more about Apple
Size
154,000 employees
Market Cap
$2,074.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
NASDAQ

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