Senior Staff Engineer, Physical Implementation CAD Lead (Austin)

Position Summary

Samsung, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, is founded on a simple philosophy – the endless pursuit of excellence will create a better world for all. At Samsung Austin Research and Development Center (SARC) and Advanced Computing Lab (ACL), we are building a center of excellence for Intellectual Property (IP) that is applied to high‑performance computing devices (mobile, automotive, and other custom market segments) consumed by millions of people around the world.

Role and Responsibilities

As a Senior Staff Physical Implementation CAD Engineer, you will shape the development and deployment of physical design CAD flows and methodologies to enable high‑performance, power‑efficient GPU and SoC designs at advanced technology nodes. In this high‑impact individual contributor role, you will:

• Lead a team of engineers focused on physical implementation methodology innovation, driving automation and scalable infrastructure across concurrent programs.
• Provide technical leadership and hands‑on support to project teams, driving flow triage, adapting methodologies to program‑specific needs, and resolving complex implementation challenges through data‑driven analysis.
• Champion automation and infrastructure development, building robust scripting and tool integrations (Python, Tcl, shell) while advancing AI‑assisted methodologies to improve predictability, turnaround time, and engineering efficiency.
• Advance cross‑functional collaboration with internal design and DTCO teams, and external EDA vendor partners to evaluate emerging technologies, influence tool capabilities, and proactively address new challenges introduced by sub‑5nm process nodes.
• Mentor junior engineers, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and innovation‑driven execution, and staying ahead of emerging GPU physical implementation methodology and CAD best practices.

Skills and Qualifications

• 11+ years of experience with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science/Engineering, or 9+ years with a Master’s Degree, or 7+ years with a Ph.D.
• 11+ years of hands‑on experience in Physical Design CAD, methodology development, or design enablement for complex GPU, CPU, or SoC programs.
• Strong expertise in Physical Design flows, including synthesis, place‑and‑route, timing closure, power optimization, and signoff methodologies.
• Deep experience with Cadence and/or Synopsys P&R toolsets, Static Timing Analysis, voltage‑aware optimization, and voltage drop analysis.
• Strong understanding of advanced technology node challenges (<5nm), including physical verification flows (Calibre/ICV) and DTCO considerations.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation (Python, Tcl, shell) with experience building scalable CAD infrastructure.
• Experience leading complex technical initiatives, driving process and methodology innovation, and mentoring engineers.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and influence in a fast‑paced, global environment.

Team

The Advanced Design Technology and Design Implementation teams play a critical role in driving technology development across Samsung System LSI business. Operating at the intersection of design technology and physical implementation, the team engages with Foundry partners from early‑phase technology exploration through the full design lifecycle, focusing on GPU physical design and implementation, CAD, and DTCO.

Total Rewards

• Base pay range: $180,200 – $297,200 (dependent on education, skills, experience, and location).
• Benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), onsite lunch, employee purchase program, tuition assistance (after 6 months), paid time off, student loan program, wellness incentives, and more.
• Eligibility for MBO bonus compensation and, potentially, long‑term incentive plan and relocation.
• Position is exempt, not eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Additional Information

• This position requires the ability to access information subject to U.S. export control restrictions.
• Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and its subsidiaries are committed to employing a diverse workforce and provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, genetic information, qualified disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.