Staff Physical Design Engineer

2 weeks ago

Toronto, Ontario, Canada Talentlab Full time

Staff Physical Design Engineer

Our client is a leader in next-generation digital connectivity, enabling high-performance data communication across the most demanding industries—ranging from AI and the metaverse to data centers, 5G infrastructure, and autonomous vehicles. They deliver mission-critical IP through innovative engineering and a proven execution track record.

As a Staff Physical Design Engineer, you'll take ownership of implementing, optimizing, and verifying complex digital designs at the physical level. You'll work alongside front-end designers, DFT engineers, and verification teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality silicon. This role focuses on advanced-node physical implementation—floor planning, PnR, CTS, timing closure, and sign-off verification.

What You'll Do

  • Drive all stages of physical design including floor planning, placement, CTS, routing, and optimization for high-speed digital blocks.

  • Own timing closure strategies, including skew balancing, delay optimization, and ECO implementation.

  • Perform signal/power integrity analysis including IR drop and electromigration.

  • Apply OPC litho shrink methodologies at advanced nodes such as TSMC N4P.

  • Optimize designs for area and power using Multi-Vt, clock gating, and power-aware synthesis.

  • Conduct physical verification (LVS, DRC, DFM) to meet foundry sign-off requirements.

  • Collaborate across design, DFT, verification, and process teams to resolve implementation or manufacturability issues.

  • Build and maintain automation scripts (TCL, Python, Perl) to streamline flows and improve efficiency.

What You'll Need

  • 5+ years of experience in physical design for digital ASICs.

  • Hands-on experience with advanced nodes (TSMC N5/N4P/N3 or similar).

  • Proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools: Synopsys ICC2, Cadence Innovus, Calibre, PrimeTime, RedHawk, etc.

  • Deep understanding of PnR, CTS, STA, IR/EM analysis, and power optimization techniques.

  • Experience with OPC shrink flows and advanced node methodologies.

  • Familiarity with DFT techniques such as scan insertion, ATPG, or BIST is a plus.

  • Experience with multi-patterning (LELE, SAQP) and full signoff verification (DRC, LVS, DFM, EM/IR, PEX).

  • Strong scripting capabilities in TCL, Python, or Perl.

  • Analytical mindset with a data-driven approach to debugging and problem-solving.

Preferred: Direct experience with FinFET technologies such as TSMC N5/N4/N4P/N3.

Please reach out to with your resume if you're a fit for the position and interested in learning more.

 

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