PDK Engineer

PDK Engineer

Full-Time 45000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
PragmatIC Semiconductor

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop and maintain Process Design Kits for innovative semiconductor technologies.
  • Company: Dynamic tech company in Cambridge with a collaborative PDK team.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work options, Visa sponsorship available, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and encourages individuality.
  • Why this job: Join a cutting-edge team and make a real impact in semiconductor technology.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or equivalent experience; strong software skills required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a PDK Engineer to join our Technology group in Cambridge! Reporting to the Senior PDK Manager and working as part of our collaborative and dynamic PDK team, this is a varied position which will play a key role by contributing significantly to the design, development, maintenance and testing of Process Design Kits (PDKs) for our released and upcoming in-house semiconductor technologies. Our FlexIC Foundry makes flexible integrated circuits available to a wide range of customers, each with their own custom application and market area. Our PDK Team supports this by ensuring accurate translation of process capability into the design environment.

This is a critical role which involves backend verification rule-deck development/maintenance, model card validation and automation, and close support for both analog and digital design flows. You will be working closely with the Process Development, Modelling and Design teams to enrich the PDK offering and improve its quality. You will also collaborate with the Layout, Design Enablement, Modelling and CAD/EDA teams to ensure our PDKs are robust, accurate, and production-ready.

We believe this position will be especially attractive to candidates with a keen interest in automation, strong software and Linux skills, and familiarity with the IC design flow. The position will be based in Cambridge, with hybrid options available; we are also open to considering candidates who will require Visa sponsorship/relocation assistance. If you are keen to make a positive impact on our PDK team and to work on innovative, exciting technology during a ramp-up phase, we would love to hear from you!

Key tasks
  • Develop new PDK features to support both existing and emerging semiconductor technology platforms to ensure timely design enablement.
  • Develop and maintain backend PDK collateral, including physical verification and validation infrastructure as required.
  • Maintain and enhance internal PDK development and verification scripts to improve efficiency, reliability, and scalability of workflows.
  • Develop, automate, and maintain PDK regression test suites to verify functionality and detect issues early in the development cycle.
  • Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (design, modelling, CAD/EDA, manufacturing) to clarify requirements and propose efficient technical solutions.
  • Provide timely technical support and guidance to internal users to maximise design productivity and tape-out success.
Qualifications and training

The successful candidate will ideally be educated to degree/post-graduate degree level in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a related field (or will possess equivalent experience). Ideally you will be able to demonstrate a strong background in electronic design or semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Skills and experience
  • Extensive experience with Unix, especially scripting (shell, python, perl).
  • Familiarity with Cadence EDA tools and basic knowledge of Skill.
  • Solid understanding of how a PDK is used in the design flow and how the different components of a PDK fit together.
  • Familiarity with version control systems (Git, perforce).
  • Understanding of SPICE models.

We strive to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to be themselves at work. Please let us know if you would like any adjustments to our application and interview process.

PDK Engineer employer: PragmatIC Semiconductor

Join our innovative team in Cambridge as a PDK Engineer, where you'll play a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge semiconductor technologies. We offer a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through hands-on experience with advanced design tools and processes. With hybrid working options and support for relocation, we are committed to creating a rewarding environment for all employees eager to make a meaningful impact.
PragmatIC Semiconductor

Contact Detail:

PragmatIC Semiconductor Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land PDK Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry meetups. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Review PDK concepts and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your passion for semiconductor tech!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your projects! If you've worked on relevant PDK features or automation scripts, bring them up during the interview. Real examples can make you stand out from the crowd.

✨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 proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace PDK Engineer

Process Design Kits (PDKs)
Backend Verification Rule-Deck Development
Model Card Validation
Automation
Analog and Digital Design Flows
Collaboration with Internal Stakeholders
Unix Scripting (Shell, Python, Perl)
Cadence EDA Tools
Understanding of SPICE Models
Version Control Systems (Git, Perforce)
Electronic Design
Semiconductor Manufacturing Processes
Technical Support and Guidance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the PDK Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Unix, scripting, and any relevant EDA tools. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for semiconductor technology and how you can contribute to our PDK team. Be genuine and let us know why you're excited about this opportunity.

Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to mention them! Whether it's automation scripts or PDK development, we love seeing practical examples of your work that demonstrate your skills.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at PragmatIC Semiconductor

✨Know Your PDK Inside Out

Make sure you understand the fundamentals of Process Design Kits and how they fit into the semiconductor design flow. Brush up on your knowledge of backend verification, model card validation, and automation processes. This will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts but can also contribute meaningfully to the team.

✨Show Off Your Scripting Skills

Since the role requires extensive experience with Unix and scripting languages like shell, Python, and Perl, be prepared to discuss your past projects or experiences where you've used these skills. Maybe even bring along a small code snippet or example to demonstrate your proficiency!

✨Collaborate Like a Pro

This position involves working closely with various teams, so highlight any past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to discuss how you clarified requirements and proposed technical solutions in previous roles. Teamwork is key, and showing you can work well with others will set you apart.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company's PDK development processes, the technologies they are working on, or their approach to automation. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company is the right fit for you.

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