NXP

Principal Physical Design Engineer

United States · Work style not stated · Full time

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About the role

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EmployerNXP
LocationUnited States
Work styleWork style not stated
Employment typeFull time
Employer posted29 Sep 2026

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Digital Designer for SoC Implementation / Physical Design for advanced semiconductor products. This role will own end-to-end physical design execution across complex designs, driving delivery from RTL to silicon for cutting-edge technology nodes.

The ideal candidate demonstrates deep technical expertise to implement a given design on silicon with optimized quality and meeting PPA targets.

Key Responsibilities

1. End-to-End Physical Design Ownership

Lead Physical design execution including floorplanning, synthesis, place & route, CTS, routing, STA, PDN, PDV and signoff.
Drive timing, power, IR/EM, and physical verification closure to achieve tapeout readiness.
Deliver optimized PPA (Power, Performance, Area) across complex designs.
Aligns with internal expectations of implementing designs on silicon with optimal quality, PPA, and cost efficiency

Show full description

2. Team Leadership & Organization Development

Participate in mentoring and career development.
Role-Model execution discipline, review mechanisms, and performance tracking.
Interface with senior leadership for status reporting, escalation, and decision-making.

3. Technical Strategy & Innovation

Define and deploy next-generation physical design methodologies.
Drive automation, flow optimization, and tool innovation.
Lead adoption of advanced node technologies (5nm and beyond).
Improve scalability, productivity, and design quality through methodology enhancements.

4. Cross-Functional & Ecosystem Engagement

Collaborate with architecture, RTL, verification, and product teams to ensure design convergence.
Interface with EDA vendors and IP providers for tool and flow optimization.
Support post-silicon bring-up, yield improvement, and production ramp activities.

Core Technical Expertise

Full RTL-to-GDSII implementation flow (Cadence and/or Synopsys tool sets)
Floorplanning, synthesis, PNR, CTS, routing
STA and signoff methodologies
Physical verification (DRC/LVS/ERC)
Advanced node implementation (≤ 16nm / 5nm)
Low power design (UPF/CLP)
Scripting in Python, TCL, and Perl

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical / Electronics Engineering or related field
10+ years of experience in ASIC / SoC physical design
Strong knowledge of industry EDA tools (Synopsys, Cadence flows)
Strong communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in high-reliability SoCs
Exposure to AI-driven design methodologies and automation

Why This Role Matters

Own delivery of flagship SoCs at advanced nodes
Drive innovation in physical design methodologies
Direct impact on silicon success and product competitiveness

More information about NXP in the United States...

NXP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status as a disabled veteran and/or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NXP will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

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