EDA/CAD Engineer, Characterization Specialist

About the Role

Join a technically focused EDA team building a high-performance cell characterization engine from the ground up. Your work will provide foundational characterization data for physical design optimization and machine learning workflows.

What You'll Do

• Design and build a scalable engine for timing, power, and noise characterization of standard cells and custom IP, including NLDM, CCS, and ECSM models.
• Architect SPICE simulation orchestration, including job scheduling, parallelization, and intelligent sampling to balance runtime and accuracy.
• Develop Liberty (.lib) generation and validation infrastructure for use by downstream static timing analysis tools.
• Partner with physical design optimization and machine learning teams to define data needs and build APIs for optimization workflows.
• Make and explain engineering tradeoffs between simulation speed and fidelity.

What We're Looking For

• Three to ten years of experience building cell characterization tools or working in EDA research and development.
• Demonstrated experience developing or extending characterization infrastructure, not only operating existing tools.
• Strong knowledge of cell characterization methodology for timing, power, and noise, plus circuit modeling and SPICE simulation using tools such as HSPICE, Spectre, or FineSim.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with Liberty files and static timing analysis tools.
• Research and development experience with characterization tools at an established EDA vendor; a master's or PhD in EE, CS, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent hands-on experience with a bachelor's degree may also be considered.
• Experience applying machine learning or surrogate modeling to accelerate characterization, or interest in an early-stage company, is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary is $250,000 to $350,000 USD annually. Visa sponsorship is available.

Location

Hybrid, with on-site work four days per week in Los Altos, California, United States.