September 27, 2025
Explore the critical requirements, core duties, primary responsibilities, and key skills that should be included in a comprehensive Physical Design Engineer job description.
What does a Physical Design Engineer do?
A physical design engineer is someone who designs circuit layouts for processors and controller architectures. They work to optimize circuit output and resolve any issues that may arise. These engineers are often employed by companies that specialize in application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
Job Description
We are seeking a results-driven physical design engineer to join our design team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing project plans and stages, designing microchip and processor layout circuits, and evaluating semiconductor devices and components.
In order to be successful as a physical design engineer, you should have extensive knowledge of circuit engineering and previous experience in a similar role. A top-notch physical design engineer will be someone whose expertise translates into optimized circuit output and device functionality.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan integrated circuit and processor design projects and stages.
- Collaborate with the design team on circuit engineering projects.
- Design layouts for processors and controller architectures.
- Review product requirements and logic diagrams.
- Develop prototypes, test circuit designs, and optimize output.
- Ensure easy routing and address any delays or glitches.
- Write code and maintain layout automation features and macros in layout entry tools.
- Evaluate semiconductor devices and components and make modifications as needed.
- Create documentation for physical design processes, including circuit layouts and device specifications.
- Stay current on developments and innovations in physical design engineering.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, or a related field.
- At least two years of experience in physical design engineering.
- Advanced proficiency in HDL languages, such as Verilog.
- Thorough understanding of design flow process control systems.
- Experience with analog electronics and MOS transistors.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and recordkeeping skills.
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