Experienced IC Design Engineer in Cambridge

Experienced IC Design Engineer in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our ASIC team to design and implement next-gen microcontrollers and processors.
  • Company: Raspberry Pi, a leader in innovative silicon technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, life assurance, and private medical insurance.
  • Other info: Full-time office role in Cambridge with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge products in a dynamic tech environment.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in SoC or MCU architecture with strong design and verification skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Raspberry Pi is seeking an experienced IC Design engineer to join our expanding ASIC team to help deliver our next-generation products. We have been building our own silicon at Raspberry Pi for some years now, starting with the RP2040 microcontroller in 2021, and following with the RP1 southbridge chip for the main Raspberry Pi platform on Raspberry Pi 5. Our second-generation microcontroller, RP2350, was released in 2024. The ASIC team looks after everything in the silicon flow, from specification through design, verification, and implementation, including ATE test and qualification. With a small team, we get involved in all aspects of getting successful products into production.

As an experienced design engineer, you will take ownership of front-end tasks from specification to design, verification, and implementation with support from specialists in other teams. You will be capable of both working autonomously and also dynamically with other members of the ASIC team. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Design, IP integration, verification planning and execution
  • Specifying and/or configuring IP and systems
  • Working closely with the software team
  • Supporting FPGA platforms for fast software development and verification
  • Assisting the implementation team with power and timing issues

Key requirements

  • A good level of experience (typically 10+ years) in SoC or MCU architecture, with at least one tape-out where you held architectural ownership of a chip or non-trivial subsystem.
  • Deep understanding of modern microcontroller and processor design, including real-time behaviour, deterministic interrupt handling, low-power modes, flash/SRAM hierarchies, and common peripherals (e.g. SPI, I²C, UART, USB, PIO-style fabrics, ADC/DAC, timers).
  • Equally strong grasp of broader SoC concepts: coherent and non-coherent interconnect, AXI/AHB/APB, cache hierarchies, DMA, memory controllers, security architecture (TrustZone or equivalent), and how an OS-class subsystem coexists with real-time domains on the same die.
  • Fluent in the implementation reality of chips — RTL (SystemVerilog), verification methodology (UVM, formal, emulation/FPGA), DFT, timing closure, power analysis, and physical design constraints. You do not need to be a specialist in each, but you need to be credible across all of them.
  • Track record of making good engineering trade-offs under real cost, schedule, and PPA pressure, and communicating them clearly to both engineers and non-engineers.
  • Comfortable working close to software: you have written non-trivial embedded C, understand toolchain and SDK implications of architectural choices, and care about what shipping the chip feels like for the developer using it.
  • Ability to communicate complex ideas, design goals, and status effectively both verbally and through documentation.
  • Strong drive and ability to work to a schedule.
  • Familiarity with scripting languages (Bash, Python, Tcl, etc)

The following would also be useful:

  • Experience of Cadence simulation tool flow.
  • Experience with ASIC/FPGA synthesis and implementation, DFT architecture and insertion, software development, and scripting.

The role is based in Cambridge with an expectation of full-time office attendance.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary based on level of experience
  • Employer pension contributions of 8% when the employee contributes 4% of their gross salary into the salary sacrifice scheme
  • Life assurance of 4 × base salary
  • Income protection of 75% of base salary in the event of critical illness, commencing after 13 weeks of long-term illness or absence from work
  • Private medical insurance (medical history disregarded)
  • Access to our electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, subject to eligibility

Experienced IC Design Engineer in Cambridge employer: Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cambridge where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration within a small, dedicated ASIC team, we provide competitive salaries, generous pension contributions, and comprehensive health benefits, ensuring our engineers can excel in their roles while contributing to groundbreaking technology. Join us to be part of a company that values creativity, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence in silicon design.

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Contact Details:

Raspberry Pi Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Experienced IC Design Engineer in Cambridge

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Apply Through Company Websites

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We think you need these skills to ace Experienced IC Design Engineer in Cambridge

SoC Architecture
MCU Architecture
RTL (SystemVerilog)
Verification Methodology (UVM, formal, emulation/FPGA)
DFT (Design for Test)
Timing Closure
Power Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Experienced IC Design Engineer, 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 Raspberry Pi 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 Raspberry Pi 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!

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How to prepare for a job interview at Raspberry Pi

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Raspberry Pi, 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 Raspberry Pi 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.