SpaceX

Sr. Full Chip Physical Verification Engineer (Silicon Engineering)

SpaceX$170K — $230K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science
  • 5+ years of ASIC and/or physical design flow development experience in industry
  • Deep understanding of SOC top-level physical design flows
  • Experience with advanced nodes (4nm and below)
  • Strong proficiency in scripting languages (csh/bash, Perl, Python, TCL, Makefile)
  • Experience with large SOC designs (>10M gates) at high frequencies (>1GHz)

Responsibilities

  • Own and execute full-chip DRC, LVS, ESD, PERC and antenna signoff
  • Develop, maintain, and optimize verification flows for advanced node SoCs
  • Interpret and implement foundry Design Rule Manuals (DRM)
  • Debug complex DRC/LVS violations and drive resolution
  • Perform ESD verification and validate protection strategies
  • Coordinate tapeout readiness across design teams
  • Engage directly with foundry teams regarding DRM ambiguities

Benefits

  • Access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Short & long-term disability insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • 3 weeks paid vacation and 10 or more paid holidays per year
  • Stock options and potential discretionary bonuses
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with stock purchasing discount
Full Job Description
SR. FULL CHIP PHYSICAL VERIFICATION ENGINEER (SILICON ENGINEERING)

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering, ASIC implementation). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation silicon for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Your efforts will help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own and execute full-chip DRC, LVS, ESD, PERC and antenna signoff using industry standard tools like Calibre, ICV, or Pegasus
  • Develop, maintain, and optimize physical verification flows for advanced node SoC's.
  • Interpret and implement foundry Design Rule Manuals (DRM) - translate rule updates into verified flow changes
  • Debug and resolve complex DRC/LVS violations across hierarchical full-chip designs
  • Perform ESD verification - validate protection strategies, current paths, and CDM/HBM compliance
  • Drive tapeout readiness by coordinating signoff across block and top-level and Hard IP design teams
  • Engage directly with foundry teams to resolve DRM ambiguities and waiver requests.
  • Develop/modify design flows as needed to meet the overall design quality of results and chip integration requirements.Leverage AI agents to automate rule deck validation, violation triage, and signoff reporting workflows

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science
  • 5+ years of ASIC and/or physical design flow development experience in industry

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience and deep understanding of SOC top level physical design flows (floor-planning, I/O, bump & RDL planning, hard IP integration, partitioning, power/ground grid generation, pin assignment, DFT, partition hardening, special clock handling, feedthrough flows, special interface/interconnect planning and implementation)
  • Experience in IP integration (e.g. memories, I/O's, analog IPs, SerDes, DDR etc.)
  • Deep expertise in DRC, LVS, PERC and ESD verification methodologies
  • Hands-on proficiency with Calibre, ICV (IC Validator), or Pegasus
  • Direct foundry DRM experience - able to read, interpret, and implement complex rule decks
  • Experience at advanced nodes (4nm and below)
  • Experience with large SOC designs (>10M gates) with frequencies in excess of 1GHZ
  • Excellent scripting skills (csh/bash, Perl, Python TCL, Makefile etc.)
  • Self-driven individual with a can-do attitude, and an ability to work in a dynamic group environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Physical Design Engineer/Senior: $170,000.00 - $230,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

About SpaceX

SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon spacecraft. The company was founded with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has achieved several milestones in spaceflight, including the first privately-funded liquid-propellant rocket to reach orbit, the first privately-funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station, and the first privately-funded company to send a human-rated spacecraft to orbit.
Learn more about SpaceX
Size
8,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2002

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