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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the physical design of digital blocks for cutting-edge optical ICs.
- Company: Join Semtech, a leader in high-performance semiconductors and optoelectronic innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, mentorship opportunities, and a pay-for-performance environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team shaping the future of connectivity with impactful projects.
- Qualifications: BSc/BEng in Electrical Engineering and 6+ years in physical digital design required.
- Other info: Fluent English and UK working rights are essential; remote work options may be available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol or Romsey, UK
Team: Signal Integrity Products (SIP) – UK Digital Design
Our Team
Semtech Corporation (NASDAQ: SMTC; www.semtech.com) is a leading supplier of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors. With multiple design centres globally—including three in the UK—Semtech is at the forefront of optoelectronic innovation. Our UK design centres focus on optoelectronic ICs for high-speed data communications and adjacent markets. Products span TIAs, laser drivers, optical receivers, and fully integrated transceivers operating from below 1Gbps to over 800Gbps. The UK design centres are equipped for end-to-end product development, from concept to full-scale production, enabling rapid innovation and product differentiation.
Job Summary
We’re seeking a skilled and motivated staff level Physical Digital Design Engineer to join our UK Digital Design team. You will be instrumental in the physical implementation of digital IP for our next-generation mixed-signal optical ICs. Working closely with the front-end design team, you will drive the physical design flow from synthesis to GDSII, collaborating with the layout team to ensure integration success. This is a high-impact role ideal for a proactive individual with deep expertise in place-and-route, timing closure, and modern CMOS technology nodes.
Responsibilities
- Drive the physical implementation of digital blocks, from netlist to GDSII, including: Abstract creation, power planning, and floorplanning
- Pin and block placement
- Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) and balancing
- Static Timing Analysis (STA) and closure
- DRC/LVS verification
- EMIR power analysis and issue resolution
- Lead flow setup and technology configuration; experience with Synopsys Lynx is a plus
- Perform synthesis in Cadence and Synopsys environments; adapt and optimise constraints
- Liaise effectively with the front-end RTL design team to ensure successful handoff and integration
- Collaborate closely with analog design and layout engineers to ensure mixed-signal compatibility
- Contribute to cross-functional development teams across digital, analogue, validation, and product engineering
Minimum Qualifications
- BSc/BEng or higher in Electrical or Electronic Engineering
- Minimum 6 years’ industry experience in physical digital design
- Proven expertise with industry-standard EDA tools (Cadence, Synopsys)
- Experience with multi-power domain and low-power digital design techniques
- Strong skills in scripting (e.g., TCL, Python, PERL, Make) for automation
- Familiarity with advanced CMOS technologies, ideally from 180nm to 28nm and below
- Track record of successful tapeouts and mass production deployments
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Fluent in English (spoken and written)
- UK working rights required
Career Growth Philosophy
At Semtech, we believe that innovation starts with people. That’s why we’re committed to empowering your professional development—through access to mentorship, learning resources, and a collaborative, idea-rich environment. Our pay-for-performance culture rewards initiative, encourages growth, and celebrates meaningful contributions.
Join us, and be part of a team that’s building the future of connectivity—together.
The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.
Contact Detail:
Semtech Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Place & Route Physical Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific EDA tools mentioned in the job description, such as Cadence and Synopsys. Having hands-on experience or even completing relevant online courses can give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the semiconductor industry, especially those who work at Semtech or similar companies. Attend industry events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your past projects involving physical digital design, particularly any successful tapeouts. Be ready to explain your role and the impact of your contributions on the project's success.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your scripting skills by preparing examples of how you've used languages like TCL or Python for automation in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
We think you need these skills to ace Place & Route Physical Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in physical digital design, particularly with EDA tools like Cadence and Synopsys. Emphasise your expertise in place-and-route, timing closure, and any successful tapeouts you've been involved in.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Discuss your experience with multi-power domain techniques and scripting for automation, and explain how these skills will benefit Semtech.
Showcase Your Projects: Include specific examples of projects where you successfully implemented digital blocks from netlist to GDSII. Highlight your collaboration with cross-functional teams and any challenges you overcame during the process.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your language is clear and professional, reflecting your communication skills as required by the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Semtech
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience with EDA tools like Cadence and Synopsys. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you successfully implemented physical design flows, as this will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the Place & Route Physical Designer role. Be ready to discuss how you would approach tasks such as power planning, floorplanning, and static timing analysis, showcasing your understanding of the entire design process.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since the role involves liaising with various teams, think of examples that illustrate your collaboration skills. Prepare to discuss how you've worked with front-end RTL design teams or analog engineers in the past to ensure successful integration.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to talk about challenges you've faced in previous projects, particularly related to timing closure or DRC/LVS verification. Discuss the strategies you employed to overcome these issues, as this will show your analytical thinking and resilience.
