Lead development and optimization of a highly automated RTL-to-GDSII and timing signoff flow. Own Innovus methodology and Tempus STA integration, reduce turnaround time with Python/Tcl automation, interface with Cadence, debug tool/database issues, and mentor PD and timing teams to ensure robust, high-performance physical implementation for AI accelerators.
EnCharge AI is a leader in advanced AI hardware and software systems for edge-to-cloud computing. EnCharge’s robust and scalable next-generation in-memory computing technology provides orders-of-magnitude higher compute efficiency and density compared to today’s best-in-class solutions. The high-performance architecture is coupled with seamless software integration and will enable the immense potential of AI to be accessible in power, energy, and space constrained applications. EnCharge AI launched in 2022 and is led by veteran technologists with backgrounds in semiconductor design and AI systems.
We are an ambitious AI hardware startup building next-generation accelerators with massive compute density. To achieve aggressive Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) targets on accelerated tapeout schedules, we require a robust, highly automated, and heavily optimized physical implementation and signoff flow.
The Role
As a Staff / Senior Staff CAD & Methodology Engineer, you will be the resident expert in Innovus and Tempus, responsible for developing, debugging, and continually accelerating our RTL-to-GDSII and timing signoff flows. You will work closely with Physical Design and STA leads to eliminate bottlenecks, automate manual tasks, and push the limits of EDA capabilities at advanced process nodes.
Key Responsibilities
- Flow Architecture & Automation: Architect, develop, and maintain a highly automated, robust, and scalable physical design and signoff flow from synthesis through GDSII, optimized for AI accelerator architectures.
- Innovus Methodology: Drive advanced physical design methodologies in Cadence Innovus. Optimize recipes for floorplanning, placement, Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS), routing, and power grid implementation to squeeze out maximum PPA.
- Tempus Signoff Integration: Own the STA and timing signoff methodology using Cadence Tempus. Implement and optimize Distributed Multi-Scenario Analysis (DMSA), advanced OCV methodologies, and automated Tempus ECO flows to ensure rapid timing closure.
- Turnaround Time (TAT) Reduction: Identify inefficiencies in the daily execution of block and top-level implementation. Develop Python and Tcl-based automation, database parsers, and custom utilities to drastically reduce tool runtime and engineering debug time.
- Tool & Vendor Interface: Act as the primary technical liaison with Cadence. Drive tool evaluations, beta testing of new features, and resolution of critical tool bugs or limitations to ensure continuous flow stability.
- Mentorship & Support: Serve as the final escalation point for the PD and Timing teams regarding flow-related issues. Document methodologies clearly and mentor junior engineers on tool usage and flow mechanics.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Experience: 9 to 14 years of industry experience in ASIC/SOC physical design, with a primary focus on CAD, TFM (Tools, Flows, and Methodology), or flow automation.
- Cadence Mastery:
- Deep, production-proven expertise with Cadence Innovus (Implementation) and Cadence Tempus (Signoff STA).
- Strong understanding of internal tool mechanics, database access commands (dbGet), and advanced tool configuration.
- Scripting & Software Skills: Expert-level proficiency in Tcl and Python. Strong background in Makefile generation, shell scripting, and version control (Git/Perforce).
- Domain Knowledge: Thorough understanding of deep sub-micron physical design concepts (advanced node DRCs, cross-talk, electromigration, IR drop) and the theoretical foundations of Static Timing Analysis.
- Startup Mindset: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where flow requirements evolve rapidly as the architecture matures.
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
Similar Jobs
Automotive • Professional Services • Software • Consulting • Energy • Chemical • Renewable Energy
Conduct field inspections of lightning protection system installations to verify compliance with UL 96A, NFPA 780 and other standards; document findings, perform or witness tests, communicate with customers, schedule and complete inspections, provide technical assistance, and support customer relationships.
Automotive • Professional Services • Software • Consulting • Energy • Chemical • Renewable Energy
Conduct field inspections of lightning protection systems to verify compliance with UL 96A and NFPA 780. Perform/witness ground resistance testing, verify components and labels, document non-conformances, prepare reports, schedule inspections, communicate technical issues to customers, and support customer relationships and industry outreach.
Top Skills:
Nfpa 780Three-Point Fall-Of-Potential Ground Resistance TestingUl 96A
Big Data • Food • Hardware • Machine Learning • Retail • Automation • Manufacturing
Lead end-to-end recruitment for U.S. Sales roles: partner with hiring managers, source active and passive candidates, manage candidate experience, support offers, build talent pools, drive continuous improvement and meet SLAs.
Top Skills:
AtsCRMLinkedin RecruiterMicrosoft Office Suite
What you need to know about the Austin Tech Scene
Austin has a diverse and thriving tech ecosystem thanks to home-grown companies like Dell and major campuses for IBM, AMD and Apple. The state’s flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, is known for its engineering school, and the city is known for its annual South by Southwest tech and media conference. Austin’s tech scene spans many verticals, but it’s particularly known for hardware, including semiconductors, as well as AI, biotechnology and cloud computing. And its food and music scene, low taxes and favorable climate has made the city a destination for tech workers from across the country.
Key Facts About Austin Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 180,500; 13.7% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Dell, IBM, AMD, Apple, Alphabet
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, hardware, cloud computing, software, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.5 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Live Oak Ventures, Austin Ventures, Hinge Capital, Gigafund, KdT Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, Silverton Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Texas, Southwestern University, Texas State University, Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Texas Advanced Computing Center
