ASIC Physical Design Engineer (Hybrid) (Santa Barbara)

Mentium Technologies Inc. is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Physical Design Engineer to join our ASIC/SoC design team. In this role, you will be responsible for the physical implementation of complex ASIC designs from synthesis through place and route, DRC/LVS and tapeout. You will work closely with RTL designers, architects and OSAT, foundry partners to ensure high-quality, timing-clean, and manufacturable silicon. This role offers an exciting opportunity to learn and work on cutting-edge vision AI accelerators, machine and deep learning algorithms, and make a meaningful impact on the development of a co-designed robust, client-facing hardware-software library.

This role requires strong expertise in physical implementation methodologies, optimization techniques, and industry-standard EDA tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform full-chip and block-level physical design, including: Synthesis, Design-for-Test, Collateral setup / Library preparation, Floorplanning and power planning, Placement and clock tree synthesis (CTS), Routing and post-route optimization, and Static Timing Analysis and Closure
• Drive timing closure across all corners and modes (setup/hold, SI, IR/EM)
• Develop and refine physical design flows and methodologies
• Develop DFT flows and integrate DFT IP
• Collaborate with front-end, and verification teams for design integration
• Analyze and resolve congestion, timing, and power issues
• Perform physical verification (DRC/LVS/antenna)
• Support tapeout activities and post-silicon debugging when required
• Evaluate and integrate third-party IP and tools into physical design flows
• Automate repetitive tasks using scripting (Python, tcl, shell)

Required Qualifications

PhD/MS/BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent

3+ years of ASIC physical design experience

Strong understanding of:

• CMOS process technology
• Timing constraints, timing analysis and closure techniques
• Power integrity and signal integrity fundamentals
• DRC and LVS debug

Hands-on experience with industry EDA tools such as:

• Synopsys Design Compiler / ICC2 or Fusion Compiler
• PrimeTime
• StarRC

Experience with Synthesis including DFT (scan, JTAG, MBIST, LBIST)

Experience with full-chip or large block implementation

Strong debugging and problem-solving skills

Silicon-proven tapeout experience

Key Attributes

Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills

Effective communicator in both written and verbal contexts

Self-driven with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Process-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Why Join Mentium?

At Mentium, you'll be at the forefront of vision AI technology, working alongside a talented team dedicated to innovation. We offer a collaborative environment where your contributions directly influence the development of cutting-edge solutions. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the field of vision AI.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Opportunity to work on diverse, cutting-edge AI projects across a range of industries.
• 401(k)
• Flexible PTO
• Full PPO medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage