Join Etched as a Physical Design Engineer to optimize block-level implementation and drive PPA improvements in a fast-paced startup environment.
Posted by employer 1 year ago
First seen on Joblaze 3 days ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago
What you'll build
- Own block-level implementation and verification
- Drive timing closure and PPA optimization
- Supervise 3rd party design work
- Improve design flows and iteration speed
- Collaborate with RTL Designers
Must have
- 5-10+ years of previous experience with PD
- Experience with back-end design and timing closure on advanced process nodes
- Experience with Cadence or Synopsys automated RTL-to-GDSII flows
- Experience with sign-off tools
- Experience with UPF-based low power design methodology
Nice to have
- Familiarity with modern ML and LLM model architectures
- Ability to program with Python or another scripting language
- Familiarity with AI tools for programming/coding
- Startup experience or comfort working in fast-paced environments
Requirements
- Experience
- 5–10 years
Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, visa sponsorship.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
In the role of Physical Design Engineer at Etched, the individual will manage block-level implementation and verification while optimizing timing closure and performance. Key skills include expertise in physical design tools and methodologies, particularly for advanced process nodes, as well as experience with automated RTL-to-GDSII flows. This position is suited for seasoned professionals with 5-10 years in the field, ideally those who thrive in fast-paced startup environments and possess a creative mindset. Etched emphasizes a collaborative culture where engineering and research intersect, fostering innovation across disciplines.
Joblaze insights
- Listed 3 days ago — first seen on Joblaze September 21, 2026. Last confirmed on Etched's careers page September 23, 2026.
- This exact title is also open at 1 other location at Etched: Austin.
- Python appears in 52.3% of 545 comparable senior ai/ml roles in United States; Synopsys appears in 0.6% of 545 comparable senior ai/ml roles in United States.
Quick facts
- Is the Physical Design Engineer role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in San Jose.
- How much experience is required?
- 5–10 years of relevant experience for this Physical Design Engineer role.
- Where is the role based?
- Etched is hiring for this position in San Jose.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Cadence, Python, Synopsys.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Etched targets senior candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Physical Design Engineer role at Etched.
From the original posting
Job Summary
Etched is looking for exceptional Physical Design engineers to join our team. In this role, you
will own block-level implementation and verification, drive timing closure and PPA optimization, supervise 3rd party design work, and help improve our design flows and iteration speed.
Key Responsibilities
Deeply understand what is involved in physical design
Running PD flows to close blocks, support ASIC infrastructure, automate PD flows,
improve CAD infrastructureCollaborate with RTL Designers and provide Physical Design feedback to improve PPA
Drive dashboards that show the convergence of projects related to PD
Optimize tool flows, working with EDA vendors to incorporate the latest features
Accountable for block level closure
Supervise the outsourcing of physical design to a 3rd party service
5-10+ years of previous experience with PD
Tools, flow, and design methodology from RTL synthesis to GDSII sign-off
Experience with back-end design and timing closure on advanced process nodes (5nm
and below)Experience with Cadence (Innovus, Genus) or Synopsys (ICC2, Fusion Compiler)
automated RTL-to-GDSII flowsExperience with sign-off tools (PrimeTime, Tempus, Voltus, etc.)
Experience with UPF-based low power design methodology, power verification,synthesis, scan insertion/ATPG, formal verification, floorplanning, placement, CTS,
routing, IR drop, and EM/antenna analysisDeeply creative and able to think from first principles
Strong candidates may also have experience with
Familiarity with modern ML and LLM model architectures
Ability to program with Python or another scripting language
Familiarity with AI tools for programming/coding
Startup experience or comfort working in fast-paced environments
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision packages with generous premium coverage
$500 per month credit for waiving medical benefits
Housing subsidy of $2.5k per month for those living within walking distance of the office
Daily lunch + dinner in our office
Unlimited compute budget subject to ROI justification
Standard company text repeated across Etched's postings is omitted here.