Senior Technical Lead - CPU Physical Design
Intel · Posted Oct 15
Semiconductor manufacturing, microprocessors, data center solutions, and artificial intelligence infrastructure
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About the role
Intel's CPU physical design organization delivers next-generation CPU IPs, working across advanced technology nodes from floorplanning through signoff. The team focuses on physical implementation of high-performance CPU, SoC, and compute IP with emphasis on PPA optimization, timing closure, methodology, and design convergence. This role leads physical design execution for CPU IPs, drives PPA and methodology improvements, partners with Architecture, RTL, Circuit Design, DFT, CAD, Power, and Signoff teams, and mentors engineers across the organization.
What you will do
- Lead physical design execution for CPU IPs from design planning through signoff.
- Provide technical leadership for:
- Floorplanning and Design Planning
- Placement and Optimization
- Clock Tree Synthesis
- Routing and Physical Verification
- Timing Closure
- Power and Area Optimization
- Signoff Readiness
- Drive PPA convergence and deliver aggressive frequency, power, and area targets.
- Define and execute physical design strategies for advanced CPU architectures and technology nodes.
- Partner closely with Architecture, RTL, Circuit Design, DFT, CAD, Power, and Signoff teams to drive implementation success.
- Lead resolution of complex implementation, timing, congestion, and power challenges.
- Drive methodology improvements and adoption of best practices across multiple projects.
- Evaluate implementation tradeoffs and provide technical recommendations that influence architecture and design decisions.
- Mentor and guide engineers across the physical design organization.
- Collaborate with CAD teams to improve efficiency through automation, methodology enhancements, and AI-driven workflows.
- Support planning, estimation, risk assessment, and execution tracking for physical design deliverables.
- Contribute to hiring, technical interviews, and development of engineering talent.
Skills used in this role
What the employer is looking for
- M.Tech/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, VLSI, or a related discipline.
- 14+ years of industry experience in ASIC or CPU Physical Design.
- Proven experience delivering successful products through complete physical implementation and signoff cycles.
- Strong expertise in:
- Floorplanning and Design Planning
- Placement and Optimization
- Clock Tree Synthesis
- Routing and Closure
- Static Timing Analysis
- Signal Integrity
- Power Integrity and EM/IR
- Physical Verification
- Hands-on experience with industry-standard implementation tools such as:
- Synopsys Fusion Compiler
- ICC2
- Cadence Innovus
- PrimeTime
- StarRC
- RedHawk
- Calibre
- Strong scripting and automation experience using:
- Python
- Tcl
- Shell
Preferred qualifications
- Experience delivering high-performance CPU core, cache, fabric, or compute IP designs.
- Experience with advanced process technologies such as Intel 18A/14A, TSMC N3/N2, or equivalent.
- Deep understanding of:
- Physical design methodologies
- Advanced timing closure techniques
- Hierarchical implementation
- Variation-aware design methodologies
- Power-aware implementation
- Experience leading geographically distributed teams.
- Experience driving CAD methodology improvements and automation initiatives.
- Familiarity with AI, Machine Learning, and Agentic AI applications for design automation and productivity enhancement.
Benefits and support
- Compensation and benefits are detailed in the job posting
About Intel
Intel Corporation is a global technology leader focused on the design and manufacturing of microprocessors, integrated circuits, and advanced data center infrastructure. The company drives innovation across personal computing, artificial intelligence, and cloud ecosystems while operating a major semiconductor foundry business. Intel delivers foundational silicon and packaging solutions that power modern digital infrastructure worldwide.
- Industry
- Semiconductors
- Company size
- 10001+ employees
- Founded
- 1968
- Location
- Santa Clara, California, USA
- Funding stage
- Public Company
Leadership
Lip-Bu Tan
Chief Executive Officer
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Pushkar Ranade
Chief Technology Officer and Chief of Staff to the CEO
Executive Vice President – Chief Technology and Operations Officer, General Manager Intel Foundry
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