Principal CAD Physical Implementation Engineer

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Principal CAD Physical Implementation Engineer

Austin, Texas. This is not a remote work opportunity
Our Opportunity
Shape how advanced ASICs move from RTL to tapeout. Combine deep physical implementation expertise with software engineering and practical AI to build faster, more reliable back-end flows across ASIC programs.
Work on advanced ASIC technologies, including Intel 18A and TSMC 3/2nm, and help shape methodologies for future nodes. Drive measurable power, performance, and area improvements through robust BE flows, implementation and signoff methodologies, and practical AI-driven optimization.
Ericsson Silicon develops ASICs for telecommunications infrastructure. We are seeking a hands-on technical leader to advance our back-end CAD architecture, implementation flows, and signoff methodologies—not simply support existing tools.
You will work across BE Infrastructure, Build, and Signoff, partnering with Physical Design teams, FE methodology owners, and EDA vendors. Own technical direction and qualified engineering solutions; partner with the Silicon CAD Technical Program Manager on integrated delivery and adoption. Designated technical owners retain project signoff approval.
What you will do
•    Architect scalable BE flows: Evolve FlowJam, our back-end flow framework, and its interfaces with shared execution infrastructure. Build reusable, configurable workflows with traceable inputs, tool versions, and results.
•    Advance physical implementation: Develop synthesis-to-GDSII methodologies spanning floorplanning, placement, clock-tree synthesis, routing, low-power implementation, and ECO closure. Improve power, performance, area, and turnaround time.
•    Strengthen signoff: Develop and qualify flows for static timing analysis, extraction, equivalence, power integrity, and physical verification with domain experts. Improve implementation-to-signoff correlation and expose closure risks earlier.
•    Apply AI to BE engineering: Deliver AI-assisted design-space exploration, recipe optimization, report analysis, failure triage, and root-cause investigation. Validate benefits against reproducible baselines; retain engineering review and qualified signoff checks.
•    Deliver production-ready capabilities: Automate regression testing and release qualification. Define FE–BE handoff checks, run representative pilots, and support controlled rollout without disrupting active tapeout schedules.
•    Multiply technical impact: Resolve complex flow and tool issues, influence EDA vendor improvements, and mentor engineers through design reviews, documentation, and shared ownership.

Join our Team

What you will bring
•    10+ years in physical implementation, BE CAD, or methodology development, with evidence of production deployment and successful tapeout contributions.
•    Deep hands-on expertise in implementation and timing closure, plus strong understanding of RTL-to-GDSII dependencies and signoff. Specialist depth in one or more signoff domains is valued; expertise in every domain is not required.
•    Strong experience with Synopsys Fusion Compiler and/or Cadence Innovus, and relevant timing or signoff tools.
•    Strong Python and Tcl skills, with experience building maintainable automation using Linux, version control, code review, automated tests, and controlled releases.
•    Demonstrated ability to turn difficult engineering problems into reusable solutions across projects, explain technical trade-offs, and lead through technical credibility.
•    A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field—or equivalent practical experience.
Critical Exposure
Practical application of AI/ML or LLM-based tools to EDA optimization, debug, or engineering automation; advanced-node or hierarchical implementation experience; or measurable improvements in PPA, closure time, and compute efficiency.

Own the engineering behind the flow—not just a step within it. Influence architecture, work directly with ASIC teams and EDA vendors, and turn new methodology and AI ideas into production capabilities. Your impact will be measured in stronger implementation results, faster closure, and flows that engineers trust across programs.

What happens once you apply?
Click Here  to find all you need to know about what our typical hiring process looks like.

Ericsson uses a merit-based hiring approach that values people with different experiences, perspectives and skillsets. We truly believe this approach drives innovation, which is essential for our future growth. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply and realize their full potential as part of our Ericsson team.  Ericsson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer,  learn more.

If you need assistance or to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Ericsson at hr.direct.americas@ericsson.com.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for this position, and you may be required to perform additional job tasks as assigned.

Primary country and city: USA || Austin, Texas

Job details: Developer

Primary Recruiter: Jim Everett

Compensation and Benefits at Ericsson
At Ericsson, we know that our people are the key to our success. We offer a competitive package to help with your individual needs and goals.

Your Pay
The salary range for this position is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, and the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience.

Short-Term Variable Compensation Plan: Your pay also includes the opportunity for an annual bonus. Actual bonus payouts are based on performance of the business against the unit’s objectives, individual performance, and the individual bonus target. Certain eligibility and pro-ration rules apply.

Your Health
Ericsson offers excellent health benefits including the choice of three medical plan options and a dental plan option that allow an employee to select the level of coverage that suits their needs. Employees will receive company credits in an amount equal to the cost that Ericsson pays toward the cost of their medical and dental premiums for themselves and eligible covered dependents.

Your Financial Security
We invest in both your short and long-term financial wellbeing. The Ericsson US 401(k) Plan offers an automatic 3% company contribution and Ericsson match $1 for every $1 you put into the 401(k) Plan on the first 3% of your eligible pay, plus 50 cents on every $1 on the next 2% of eligible pay. When you contribute at least 5% of eligible pay, you are receiving Ericsson’s full matching contributions of 4%. Matching and company automatic contributions stop when your total eligible pay for the year reaches the IRS limits. Employees will also receive company credits in an amount equal to the cost of basic life insurance and basic accidental death and dismemberment coverage, as well as short-term and long-term disability coverage. Employees also have the option to participate in Ericsson’s Stock Purchase Plan.

Your Time
Your work-life balance is important to us. New employees are provided a minimum of 15 days of accrued vacation, up to 3 personal days per year, 11 annual holidays, 8 hours of volunteer time, and 80 hours of sick time annually. Please note paid time off is pro-rated based on the employee’s start date. Furthermore, Ericsson provides up to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave and 6 weeks of parental or adoption leave at 100% of pay.

Additional Benefits
Ericsson offers many other company-paid benefits such as financial wellness programs, educational assistance, matching gifts, and recognition programs.