Ampere Computing

Principal Layout Design Engineer

Ampere Computing$182K — $273K *
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in custom layout design
  • Hands-on experience with 3nm technology
  • Proficient in digital components like SRAM and standard cells
  • Strong skills in custom analog block design
  • Expertise in clock H-trees for full-chip designs
  • Familiar with DFM, hierarchical layouts, and device matching
  • Proficient with Cadence and Mentor Graphics tools
  • Excellent communication skills for cross-location collaboration

Responsibilities

  • Deliver clean layouts adhering to LVS, DRC, ERC, EM, and IR standards
  • Collaborate with the P&R team to troubleshoot full-chip integration
  • Develop integration methodologies for custom macros
  • Design and floorplan cells, blocks, and macros efficiently
  • Create, debug, and interpret LEF files for design processes
  • Analyze LVS, DRC, ERC, EM, and IR results to troubleshoot issues
  • Support tapeout phases and mentor junior engineers

Benefits

  • Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Income protection and a 401K retirement plan
  • Unlimited flextime and over 10 paid holidays
  • Healthy snacks and drinks provided
  • Inclusive culture fostering employee growth and development
Full Job Description
Description

About the role:

As a key member of the layout team, you will be responsible for delivering clean layouts that meet LVS, DRC, ERC, EM, and IR requirements.

Your role will involve close collaboration with various teams to ensure seamless full-chip integration and high-quality design implementation.

What you'll achieve:

  • Collaborate with the Place & Route (P&R) team to resolve full-chip integration issues.
  • Develop and improve methodologies to simplify custom macro integration into the P&R flow.
  • Floorplan and build out cells, blocks, and macros efficiently.
  • Understand, create, and debug LEF files to support design processes.
  • Design complex layouts for both analog and digital circuits using deep submicron technologies.
  • Analyze and interpret LVS, DRC, ERC, EM, and IR results to identify and resolve issues.
  • Identify schematic or layout problems and work closely with engineering teams to address them.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects across different technologies simultaneously.
  • Learn and effectively utilize Ampere's in-house design tools.
  • Coordinate with circuit engineers located in different regions and time zones.
  • Support and assist during tapeout phases to ensure successful project completion.
  • Contribute ideas as an integral part of a small, collaborative team.
  • Coach and train junior engineers to foster skill development within the team.


About you:

  • Minimum of 8 years' experience in custom layout design.
  • Current hands-on experience with 3nm technology is essential.
  • High proficiency in laying out custom digital components such as SRAM, register files, and standard cells.
  • Strong skills in designing custom analog blocks including amplifiers and resistor ladders.
  • Expertise in laying out and balancing custom clock H-trees for full-chip designs.
  • Experience with full-chip integration of custom IP alongside P&R teams.
  • Solid knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), hierarchical layout techniques, device matching, and low-parasitic layout practices.
  • Good understanding of Electromigration (EM) and IR drop analysis.
  • Proficient with Cadence XL/GXL/EXL and Mentor Graphics Calibre tools.
  • Familiarity with Cadence Innovus is a plus.
  • Experience with Totem tools for EM/IR analysis is advantageous.
  • Programming skills are a plus but not required.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple locations and time zones.
  • Bachelor's degree & 8 years of related experience; or master's degree & 6 years; or PhD & 3 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 $182,000 and $273,000, except in the San Francisco Bay Area where the range is between $195,000 and $292,000.

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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