Layout Principal Designer

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location — employees join together to improve the world.

Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.

Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds.

Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!

This SkyWater

Layout Principal Designer will primarily lead custom layout and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) activities to provide testchip collateral for semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) technologies. This engineer will be a significant contributor to a broad array of design projects supporting modeling, reliability, and yield as part of Process Design Kit (PDK) development for advanced CMOS or quantum technologies.

The position is based at our HQ site in Bloomington, MN, with consideration available for remote work.

Major Areas Of Accountability

• Layout of new structures for eTest, modeling, reliability, yield, and IP testchips as part of new technology development
• Version control and management of large design libraries with multiple contributors
• Introduction of both custom and automated designs for both new & derivative layout projects supporting highly diverse technology flows
• Utilize SkyWater PDK’s and provide feedback to internal teams on issues, improvements, capabilities, etc.
• Lead physical verification and tape-in reviews

Required Qualifications

• Expert in custom layout design using IC EDA tool-assisted design flow such as Cadence and Siemens EDA tool suites, (e.g. Calibre and Virtuoso)
• Familiarity with layout automation using SKILL, Tcl, python or other scripting languages.
• Knowledge and experience in developing and/or using physical verification tools (DRC, ERC, LVS/PEX) and DFM tooling.
• Experience in IP project and/or library management.
• Familiarity with typical mixed-signal IC design.
• Clear communicator, concise written report skills, and inventive problem solver
• U.S. Person Required: This position requires compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All accepted applicants must be U.S. Persons.
• ITAR defines a U.S. Person as U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee.
• 7 - 10 years of experience with AS in Electronic Design fields. 5-7 years of experience with BS in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in PDK development in some or all of the following fields: CMOS, MEMS, photonics, and superconducting.
• Familiarity with parasitic extraction tools such as Mentor Calibre xRC, Cadence Quantus, or Synopsys StarRC.
• Experience in project management of IC design (architecture to GDS) & fabrication (tape-out to post-silicon validation and testing).
• Experience with chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) shape density filling techniques.
• Experience with data preparation and/or OPC methodologies.

The annual salary range for this role is $136,960 - $205,440. Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.

SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well other employee financial benefits including 401k match, life insurance and opportunities to purchase SkyWater stock at a discounted rate.

Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, and an on-site self-serve market.

SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on workus.org or ***email_hidden***.

EOE, including disability/vets