Sr. Physical Design Engineer
SeattleOn-site or hybridSeniorFull Time4w ago
We're looking for a Senior Physical Design Engineer who can own block and chip level implementation from netlist to GDS (and FPGA P&R support) for our phased array solutions. As one of our early senior digital hires, you will floorplan, place, clock, route, and sign off the silicon that carries digital beamforming and
The Role
We're looking for a Senior Physical Design Engineer who can own block- and chip-level implementation from netlist to GDS (and FPGA P&R support) for our phased-array solutions. As one of our early senior digital hires, you will floorplan, place, clock, route, and sign off the silicon that carries digital beamforming and adaptive processing—bridging synthesis to a manufacturable, timing-clean layout.
You'll work end-to-end: floorplan and power grid, placement, CTS, routing, extraction, STA collaboration, physical verification, EM/IR, ECOs, and lab support. The decisions you make will directly shape PPA, schedule, and product differentiation.
Responsibilities
- Execute physical design for DSP, beamforming, and interface partitions and for top level: floorplan, power, placement, CTS, route, optimization
- Close timing with PD tools in partnership with the synthesis/timing owner; implement timing and functional ECOs
- Integrate memories, I/Os, high-speed interfaces, and DFT structures; manage congestion and utilization on high-throughput datapaths
- Run physical verification (DRC/LVS/antenna) and support EM/IR sign-off
- Collaborate with RTL, synthesis/STA, and DFT on constraints, scan timing, and design changes that affect layout
- Support FPGA P&R and timing when prototypes are used before or alongside ASIC
- Contribute to technical strategy, design reviews, documentation, and mentoring as the team grows
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
- 7–10 years of relevant physical design experience (RTL-to-GDS or netlist-to-GDS) on ASICs; FPGA P&R experience a plus
- Hands-on experience with industry PD tools (e.g., Innovus, ICC2/Fusion Compiler, PrimeTime, Calibre or equivalent)
- Proven timing closure, CTS, and physical verification on multi-clock, high-utilization designs
- Scripting (Tcl/Python) and ability to debug tool and design issues independently
- Demonstrated ability to work with front-end and DFT so implementation matches system performance goals
Preferred Qualifications
- MSc or PhD in EE/CE or a related field
- Tape-out experience and post-silicon or FPGA validation support
- Background in communications (5G/6G, satellite) or radar / phased-array ASICs
- Familiarity with high-speed interfaces, low-power design, and Cadence/Synopsys full flows
- Prior work on phased-array or multi-antenna systems from concept through fielded product
Why Roguebeam
This is a rare ground-floor opportunity. Joining a startup at this stage means your work has a direct, visible effect on whether the company succeeds—and a corresponding upside as we grow. Because we build the entire system in-house, you'll see your work integrated into real phased arrays and deployed in working systems, not handed off and forgotten. You'll have real ownership and a seat at the table on technical direction.
This position requires access to information controlled under ITAR/EAR; applicants must be U.S. persons as defined in 22 CFR 120.62.
Frequently asked
Is this Sr. Physical Design Engineer role remote?
This role is based in Seattle.
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