Physical Design Lead

A well-funded deep-tech semiconductor startup developing next-generation computing technology at the intersection of artificial intelligence and advanced hardware. We are focused on building advanced hardware designed to unlock significant improvements in AI performance and efficiency.

As a Physical Design Team Lead, you will oversee and guide our Physical Design team while continuing to contribute hands-on to the implementation of advanced semiconductor devices. This role combines technical expertise with organizational and communication responsibilities, helping translate innovative concepts into silicon while managing a growing team. Prior leadership experience is not mandatory, but strong organizational skills and a solid understanding of physical design objectives are essential.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the Physical Design team (currently two engineers) while supporting their growth and development
• Carry out physical design implementation tasks including floorplanning, placement, clock tree synthesis, and routing
• Drive timing closure and optimise designs to meet performance, power, and area goals
• Support physical verification and sign-off processes ahead of tapeout
• Collaborate closely with RTL, DFT, and system teams to resolve timing, integration, and design challenges
• Help improve backend flows, automation, and implementation methodologies
• Ensure alignment of team goals with overall project timelines and technical objectives

Required experience

• Several years of experience in digital physical design or backend implementation
• Strong understanding of the ASIC implementation flow from RTL through to GDSII
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard EDA tools, particularly within the Cadence toolchain
• Knowledge of timing analysis, physical verification, power integrity, and advanced technology nodes
• Experience with scripting (e.g., Tcl) to support automation of backend flows
• Experience working on complex SoC or hierarchical chip designs would be beneficial
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, capable of coordinating a small team and collaborating across multiple engineering domains.

For more information on this role or others, please contact Jordan Browne at IC Resources.