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CPU Physical Design (RTL to GDS)

NUVACORE

Austin, TX · Santa Clara, CA

  • $140,000–$250,000 per year
  • Hybrid
  • Full Time
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About the role

At NUVACORE we're designing a new general-purpose CPU core for the sustained, intensive demands of AI infrastructure and agentic computing, not the workloads of the past. As a member of CPU - specific custom circuit design team, you will enable the design to achieve the target PPA Specifications for the product. 

THE ROLE

As a CPU Physical Design (PD) Engineer, you will participate in the following : 

  • Responsible for evaluating RTL and micro-Architecture designs, providing feasibility assessments and actionable feedback. 

  • Responsible for driving end-to-end design closure from RTL to GDS/Tape-out, ensuring target PPAS (Power, Performance, Area & Schedule) commitments are met. 

  • Responsible for coordinating and aligning with CAD, RTL/µ-arch, and other partner teams to ensure seamless execution throughout the design cycle. 

  • Responsible for leading and influencing the definition and adoption of Tools, Flows, and Methodology (TFM) to drive design efficiency and establish team-wide best practices

MUST TO HAVE

  • Hold a BS or MS degree with 12+ years of experience (for Lead roles) or 5+ years of experience (for Individual Contributor roles) in CPU physical design.

  • Proficient in industry-standard EDA tools with experience applied to CPU design workflows.

  • Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering production-level designs through tape-out.

  • Proven experience in PPA optimization across CPU units and design blocks.

  • Deep understanding of end-to-end physical design closure, spanning all signoff domains

  • Well-versed in timing constraints for both Functional and DFT (Design for Test) modes.

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

REQUIREMENTS — NICE TO HAVE

  • Possess substantial years of experience in CPU unit-level implementation

  • Demonstrate ability to translate architectural intent into physical design decisions.

  • Bring proven experience in PPA-focused design execution for CPUs, including hands-on tool optimization to achieve power, performance, and area targets. 

  • Hold a deep understanding of Physical Design (PD) signoff checks and methodologies, including FEV, VCLP, EM/IR, STA/EXT, and associated closure flows. 

  • Exhibit thoroughness and precision in ECO (Engineering Change Order) flows.

  • Proficient in Python, Perl, or TCL to enhance design productivity and flow efficiency

  • Experience in using Agentic AI tools for productivity and automation. 

The next great CPU won't build itself. We’re assembling a world-class team across every layer of CPU development, from architecture and design to verification, physical implementation, software, infrastructure, and product delivery. Every discipline matters, and every person has the opportunity to help shape the technology from the ground up.