Principal Physical Design Engineer - SoC Floorplanning & Methodology in London

Principal Physical Design Engineer - SoC Floorplanning & Methodology in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 161800 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead physical design activities and optimise silicon technology for Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure.
  • Company: Join Microsoft, a leader in global cloud services and innovative technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of cloud computing while tackling complex engineering challenges.
  • Qualifications: Doctorate or Master's in relevant fields with substantial engineering experience.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 161800 £ per year.

Microsoft Silicon, Cloud Hardware, and Infrastructure Engineering (SCHIE) is at the heart of Microsoft’s global cloud infrastructure, powering the technology behind some of the world’s most widely used digital services, including Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Teams, OneDrive, Bing, and Xbox. Our team designs, develops, and delivers the foundational hardware and infrastructure that enable Microsoft’s cloud services to operate securely, reliably, and at a global scale. With a focus on innovation, performance, efficiency, and sustainability, SCHIE plays a critical role in shaping the future of cloud computing.

As Microsoft’s cloud business continues to expand, delivering cutting-edge hardware solutions at scale, on time, and with quality has never been more important. The AISIE team plays a key role in making this possible by driving engineering excellence, optimising hardware design and manufacturing processes, and supporting the development of high-performance, scalable, and sustainable cloud infrastructure.

We are looking for a talented Physical Design Engineer to help shape the next generation of Microsoft’s silicon technology. In this role, you will take ownership of partition-level floorplanning and physical design optimisation, with a focus on achieving the optimal possible balance of Power, Performance, and Area (PPA). You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to develop and implement innovative physical design solutions that meet current product requirements while anticipating future technology advancements.

Your responsibilities will span the full physical design lifecycle, from synthesis and place-and-route through to final signoff. This includes timing closure, physical verification, electromigration and IR drop (EMIR) analysis, formal equivalence checking, low-power verification, and security implementation. You will also design and implement robust clock distribution solutions, ensuring that designs meet demanding performance, power, and reliability requirements.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead and execute Physical Design activities specific focus on floorplan Architecture and Methodology at Sub-chip and SoC levels.
  • Contribute to Physical Design flow development, automation, and methodology improvements pertaining floorplan and construction.
  • Evaluate and recommend technology nodes, IP selection, EDA tools, and vendor solutions.
  • Provide clear and concise status updates on progress, risks, and mitigation plans to management.
  • Operate with minimal supervision while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Support program needs, including occasional travel as required.
  • Execute all phases of implementation including: Floorplanning, Synthesis, Placement and optimization, Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) and custom clocking, Routing, Power optimization and efficiency analysis, IR-drop and Electromigration (EM) analysis.

Qualifications:

Required/minimum qualifications: Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND relevant technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND substantial technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND extensive technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.

Additional or preferred qualifications: Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND substantial technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND extensive technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND significant technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.

Demonstrated experience working on or leading projects from beginning-to-end. Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements is required for this role.

These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following specialized security screening: Microsoft Cloud Background Check. This position is required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter. This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations or Export Administration Regulations, the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations.

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their U.S. permanent residency or other protected status for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate’s citizenship will be verified with a valid passport.

Silicon Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across United Kingdom is £93,500.00 - £161,800.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances.

If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

Principal Physical Design Engineer - SoC Floorplanning & Methodology in London employer: Microsoft

At Microsoft, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the role of AI Business Solution Sales Manager. Our culture is rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and continuous learning, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. With a strong focus on collaboration and customer success, our team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact, supported by industry-leading resources and a commitment to employee development.

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Contact Details:

Microsoft Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Physical Design Engineer - SoC Floorplanning & Methodology in London

✨Join Engineering Meetups!

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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Physical Design Engineer - SoC Floorplanning & Methodology in London

Physical Design
Floorplanning
Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) Optimisation
Synthesis
Place-and-Route
Timing Closure
Physical Verification

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Physical Design Engineer - SoC Floorplanning & Methodology, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Microsoft a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Microsoft specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Microsoft

✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Microsoft, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

✨Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Microsoft want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

✨Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.