Intel

Senior CPU Physical Design Engineer

Intel$164K — $269K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field with 6+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's with 4+ years, or a PhD with 2+ years.
  • Proficiency with physical design EDA tools like Synopsys Fusion Compiler or Cadence Genus/Innovus.
  • Experience in scripting languages such as TCL, Perl, or Python for automation.
  • Hands-on experience in backend design workflows, including static timing analysis and layout verification.
  • Completion of at least one tape-out on advanced process nodes.
  • Knowledge of RTL-to-GDS automation methodologies.
  • Familiarity with AI/ML-based automatic place-and-route methods.

Responsibilities

  • Perform physical design implementation for custom CPU designs, preparing them for manufacturing.
  • Execute all aspects of the physical design flow including floor planning and static timing analysis.
  • Conduct verification processes, ensuring design integrity through formal equivalence and layout verification.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize CPU microarchitectures for key improvements.
  • Develop and refine physical design methodologies for better flow automation.
  • Engage with EDA vendors to enhance design tools for high-performance CPUs.
  • Analyze design outcomes and recommend optimizations for future architectures.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits for employees and families.
  • Retirement plans to help secure your future.
  • Generous vacation policies to promote work-life balance.
  • Stock bonuses as part of the compensation package.
Full Job Description
Job Details:

Job Description:

The Role and Impact

As a Senior CPU Physical Design Engineer, you will play a critical role in delivering Intel's next-generation high-performance CPUs from concept through manufacturing. You will drive physical implementation and optimization of complex CPU designs, ensuring industry-leading performance, power efficiency, area optimization, and manufacturability.

In this role, you will collaborate with architecture, logic design, circuit design, CAD, and validation teams to enable innovative computing solutions that power client, data center, and AI-driven products. Your contributions will directly influence Intel's future technology roadmap and help shape the next generation of computing.

What You'll Do

Key responsibilities will include but not limited to:
  • Perform physical design implementation for custom CPU designs, transforming RTL into a design database ready for manufacturing.
  • Execute all aspects of the physical design flow, including floor planning, synthesis, place and route, clock tree synthesis, static timing analysis, power/clock distribution, and noise analysis.
  • Conduct verification and signoff processes, including formal equivalence verification, reliability verification, layout verification, and structural design checking.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including logic, circuit, architecture, and design automation, to optimize CPU microarchitectures for power, area, and frequency improvements.
  • Build and refine physical design methodologies, enhancing flow automation and efficiency.
  • Work with industry EDA vendors to improve design tools and enable high-speed, low-power synthesizable CPUs.
  • Analyze design results and propose recommendations for optimizing current and future CPU microarchitectures.


Behavioral traits that we are looking for:
  • Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Ownership and accountability for delivering quality results.
  • Effective collaboration across diverse, global engineering teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Adaptability in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.
  • A passion for continuous learning and technical innovation.


Intel invests in our people and offers a complete and competitive package of benefits employees and their families through every stage of life.

See Intel Benefits for more details.

Qualifications:

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

Note:

This position is not eligible for Intel immigration sponsorship.

For information on Intel's immigration sponsorship guidelines, please see

Intel U.S. Immigration Sponsorship Information

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/ Computer Engineering, or a related field with 6+ years of relevant experience. Or a Master's degree in the same field with 4+ years of relevant experience, OR a PhD in in the same field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
Your experience described above must be in the following:
  • Physical design EDA tools such as Synopsys Fusion Compiler, Cadence Genus/Innovus, or equivalent
  • Experience with scripting languages (e.g., TCL, Perl, Python) for tool automation and design exploration
  • Experience in backend design workflows, including constraints management, clock tree synthesis, static timing analysis, and layout verification
  • Completion of at least one tape-out on advanced process nodes
  • Experience with RTL-to-GDS automation methodologies
  • AI/ML based automatic place-and-route methods for design efficiency and quality


Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
  • Low-power design techniques, multiple power domains (MPP/UPF), and power analysis methodologies
  • Digital design fundamentals, CMOS process technology, and CPU microarchitecture
  • Experience collaborating with EDA vendors to refine tool capabilities
  • Multi-vendor experience with thermal & power reduction techniques
  • Power/performance optimization tradeoffs in APR


Job Type:
Experienced Hire

Shift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location:
US, Texas, Austin

Additional Locations:

Benefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $164,470.00-269,100.00 USD

The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role
This role will require an on-site presence. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

About Intel

Intel Careers

Join Intel's dynamic team today and be part of a company that redefines the boundaries of technology and innovation. Intel offers a plethora of job opportunities that pave the way for professional growth and personal achievement. As a leader in the tech industry, Intel is the perfect place to advance your career, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out. Work You’ll Do At Intel, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, working together to solve complex challenges and push the limits of what's possible. Our culture of innovation fosters diversity and encourages you to bring your unique perspectives to the table. Intel is not just about hardware and software; it's about empowering people to achieve more. Join Intel’s market-leading team to help drive technological advancements in numerous fields. From semiconductor engineering to AI development, your work at Intel will have a profound impact on the world’s technological landscape. Lead with Innovation Intel stands at the intersection of technology leadership and industry innovation. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that set industry standards and redefine how technology enhances our lives. Intel’s commitment to leadership development ensures that every team member is equipped with the skills needed to excel. Experience the Power of Networking and Professional Growth Intel’s global scale offers unmatched opportunities for networking and professional development. Engage with experts across different fields and participate in programs designed to hone your leadership skills and expand your professional knowledge. Intel’s dedication to career growth is evident in our robust training programs and our commitment to promoting from within. Internship and Employment Opportunities Start your career journey with an internship at Intel, where you can apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Our internships provide a foundation for successful careers by allowing you to work on meaningful projects and gain valuable industry experience. Intel is hiring! Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re applying for an internship or a full-time position, preparing your resume and getting ready for the interview process at Intel is an exciting step towards a promising future. Benefits and Culture Intel is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We offer competitive benefits packages that promote the well-being of our employees and their families. From health and wellness to financial and education benefits, Intel ensures that our team members have what they need to succeed. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for job opportunities that align with your career aspirations. Intel’s diverse range of employment options means there’s a place for every skill set and ambition. 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 at Intel. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Intel.
Learn more about Intel
Size
121,100 employees
Market Cap
$106.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$20.8 billion
Founded
1968
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$77.8 billion
NASDAQ

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