PDK / CAD Design Engineer in Cambridge

PDK / CAD Design Engineer in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
MRL Consulting Group | Global Niche Technology Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive innovation in Power IC design and enhance EDA infrastructure.
  • Company: Fast-growing Power IC company with a focus on cutting-edge technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with high visibility and influence in engineering.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of semiconductor products and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in mixed-signal IC design and strong scripting skills required.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Join a fast growing Power IC company where your expertise in PDKs, CAD automation, and custom IC design flows directly accelerates real product innovation. As a key member of our engineering organization, you will shape the design environment that enables our world class analog, mixed-signal, and power designers to build next generation semiconductor products. This is a hands on, high impact role where you will own critical EDA infrastructure, drive automation, and partner closely with design teams to push technology forward.

Responsibilities

  • EDA Infrastructure & PDK Ownership: Deploy, configure, and maintain PDKs and industry standard EDA tools (Cadence, Siemens, Synopsys). Manage tool licensing, installation, upgrades, and environment configuration.
  • Design Flow Development & Support: Provide day-to-day CAD support for our custom Analog, Mixed Signal, and Power IC design teams using the Cadence Virtuoso platform. Implement and administer robust, scalable custom IC design flows tailored to high performance power semiconductor development.
  • Automation & Scripting: Develop automation scripts using Perl, TCL, Python, CSH/BASH, and Cadence SKILL to improve productivity and standardise design workflows. Build and enhance tool flow automation in a Linux based environment.
  • Data & Compute Infrastructure: Manage design data using SOS or similar data management tools. Set up and maintain compute farm infrastructure (LSF), ensuring optimal resource utilisation for simulation and verification workloads.
  • Simulation, Verification & Tapeout Enablement: Provide CAD support across Digital, Analog, and AMS simulation flows. Support tapeout preparation, verification, and delivery to foundry partners.

Experience Required

  • Proven experience supporting mixed-signal custom IC design using industry standard EDA tools (Cadence Virtuoso, ADE Explorer, PVS, Calibre, Quantus, etc.).
  • Strong scripting ability in Perl, TCL, Python, CSH/BASH, and Cadence SKILL.
  • Hands on Linux expertise, including system administration fundamentals.
  • Experience with design data management, ideally SOS.
  • Solid understanding of PDK architecture and process technologies (CMOS, BiCMOS, DMOS).
  • A Master’s in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) with 6+ years in CAD, design, or layout roles.

Why Join Us?

  • Work at the heart of advanced power semiconductor design, enabling real products used in automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
  • Be the owner of a critical engineering domain with high visibility and influence.
  • Collaborate with a talented, supportive team focused on innovation and engineering excellence.
  • Enjoy a culture that values autonomy, continuous improvement, and technical mastery.

PDK / CAD Design Engineer in Cambridge employer: MRL Consulting Group | Global Niche Technology Recruitment

Join a dynamic and innovative Power IC company that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. With a culture that values autonomy and continuous improvement, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of semiconductor design while working alongside a talented team dedicated to engineering excellence. Enjoy a hands-on role with high visibility, where your contributions directly impact real-world applications in automotive, industrial, and consumer sectors.

MRL Consulting Group | Global Niche Technology Recruitment

Contact Details:

MRL Consulting Group | Global Niche Technology Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land PDK / CAD Design Engineer in Cambridge

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant meetups, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to PDKs and CAD automation. We recommend using GitHub or a personal website to display your work. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms. Be ready to discuss your experience with EDA tools and scripting languages, as these will likely come up!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to the exciting world of power IC innovation.

We think you need these skills to ace PDK / CAD Design Engineer in Cambridge

PDK Ownership
EDA Tools (Cadence, Siemens, Synopsys)
CAD Support for Analog, Mixed Signal, and Power IC Design
Automation Scripting (Perl, TCL, Python, CSH/BASH, Cadence SKILL)
Linux System Administration
Design Data Management (SOS)
Compute Farm Infrastructure Management (LSF)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with PDKs and EDA tools like Cadence and Synopsys. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about power IC innovation and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal!

Show Off Your Scripting Skills:Since scripting is key for this role, mention specific examples of automation scripts you've developed in Perl, TCL, or Python. We love seeing how you’ve improved workflows in past positions!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at MRL Consulting Group | Global Niche Technology Recruitment

Know Your Tools Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the EDA tools mentioned in the job description, like Cadence and Synopsys. Brush up on your experience with PDKs and be ready to discuss how you've deployed and maintained these tools in past roles.

Show Off Your Scripting Skills

Prepare to talk about your scripting experience with Perl, TCL, Python, and others. Have examples ready that demonstrate how you’ve used automation to improve workflows or solve problems in previous projects.

Understand the Design Flow

Familiarise yourself with custom IC design flows, especially for mixed-signal and power applications. Be prepared to explain how you’ve supported design teams in the past and what strategies you used to enhance their productivity.

Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Ability

Think of specific challenges you’ve faced in CAD support or EDA infrastructure management. Be ready to share how you approached these issues and the outcomes, showcasing your critical thinking and hands-on experience.