Physical Design Engineer in London

Hudson River Trading (HRT) is seeking a Physical Design Engineer with a broad, versatile skillset to join our growing Hardware team. In this role, you will help deliver performance-critical ASICs and advance our physical design methodologies on leading-edge process nodes. The Hardware team at HRT builds high-performance compute engines using FPGA and ASIC technology to drive low-latency trading decisions on global markets. We create custom solutions across the full spectrum of speed and sophistication, from bespoke circuits to world-class machine learning accelerators.

Responsibilities

• Drive design-for-test (DFT) methodologies and implementation
• Contribute to physical implementation, from RTL handoff through GDSII on advanced process nodes
• Partner on floorplanning and physical optimization for high-performance, latency-critical designs
• Close timing across multiple modes and corners while optimizing power, performance, and area (PPA)
• Diagnose and resolve physical design issues such as timing bottlenecks, congestion, and IR/EM violations
• Build, maintain, and improve repeatable, automated physical design flows
• Develop scripts and tooling to improve productivity, robustness, and insight into design behavior
• Collaborate closely with RTL, architecture, and other hardware engineers to influence design decisions early

Qualifications

• Experience working in high-performance ASIC design environments
• Strong fundamentals in digital logic, circuit design, and process technology
• Familiarity with DFT concepts and testing methodologies
• Strong scripting and automation skills (Python, Tcl, shell), including parsing and analyzing tool outputs
• Ability to design robust methodologies, diagnose complex failures, and improve physical design flows
• Applied use of statistics in analyzing timing, power, or design data (preferred)
• Hands-on experience with static timing analysis and timing closure methodologies
• Expertise using industry-standard physical design and signoff tools (e.g., Innovus, PrimeTime)

This job is accepting ongoing applications and there is no application deadline. The estimated base salary range for this position is 200,000 to 300,000 USD per year (or local equivalent). The base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This role will also be eligible for discretionary performance-based bonuses and a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, and enrollment in our company’s retirement savings plans. Employees will receive sick and parental leave, as well as other paid time off (including 20 vacation days and 10 paid holidays in the US). Please note that benefits and time off policies will vary across non-US locations.

Culture

Hudson River Trading (HRT) brings a scientific approach to trading financial products. We have built one of the world's most sophisticated computing environments for research and development. Our researchers are at the forefront of innovation in the world of algorithmic trading. At HRT we welcome a variety of expertise: mathematics and computer science, physics and engineering, media and tech. We’re a community of self-starters who are motivated by the excitement of being at the cutting edge of automation in every part of our organization—from trading, to business operations, to recruiting and beyond. We value openness and transparency, and celebrate great ideas from HRT veterans and new hires alike. At HRT we’re friends and colleagues – whether we are sharing a meal, playing the latest board game, or writing elegant code. We embrace a culture of togetherness that extends far beyond the walls of our office.

Feel like you belong at HRT? Our goal is to find the best people and bring them together to do great work in a place where everyone is valued. HRT is proud of our diverse staff; we have offices all over the globe and benefit from our varied and unique perspectives. HRT is an equal opportunity employer; so whoever you are we’d love to get to know you.

Please be advised: Use of AI tools during interviews or assessments is strictly prohibited, unless otherwise instructed or agreed upon. We employ various methods to evaluate the authenticity of candidate responses. If we determine that AI assistance was used during any stage of the hiring process, we reserve the right to immediately disqualify your candidacy or rescind any job offers extended.