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- Tasks: Lead the development of Process Design Kits and MMIC layouts for cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.
- Company: Join a pioneering company at the forefront of semiconductor innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the semiconductor industry while advancing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; experience in MMIC layout and PDK development required.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with potential for leadership roles as you grow.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
To own and advance the design enablement infrastructure that underpins fabrication capability. This is a senior technical role sitting at the intersection of process engineering, MMIC design, and EDA tooling, responsible for the quality and integrity of Process Design Kits, mask artwork, and the design-to-fabrication flow across a portfolio of III-V technologies including GaAs, GaN, and InP.
Responsibilities
- Own the development, maintenance, and release of Process Design Kits (PDKs) across multiple compound semiconductor process nodes. This includes design rules, DRC/LVS decks, parameterised cells (PCells), technology files, and the PDK user handbook.
- Lead MMIC layout activities and mask procurement for both internal programmes and external foundry service customers, transforming customer designs into fully arrayed, fabrication-ready reticle designs to schedule and quality.
- Drive reticle designs in support of internal technology development, working in close collaboration with Process and Device Engineering to translate new process capabilities into validated design collateral.
- Chair and facilitate Design Reviews for the acceptance of new mask sets into the FAB, providing authoritative sign-off on layout correctness and design rule compliance.
- Own and evolve Process Control Monitor (PCM) designs in partnership with Device and Process Engineering, ensuring PCM coverage keeps pace with process development.
- Define and implement scripting and automation solutions in ADS and MWO to improve PDK deployment, layout efficiency, and reticle generation workflows.
- Serve as the primary technical interface for external customers using PDKs, and manage relationships with EDA vendors and mask suppliers.
- Act as the internal authority on design-to-fab flow, helping to raise capability and design quality across engineering teams, with scope to grow into a formal leadership or mentoring role as the team expands.
Skills & Experience
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM discipline; a postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
- Significant hands-on experience in MMIC layout and/or PDK development within a compound semiconductor environment (GaAs, GaN, or InP), typically 7 years.
- Proficiency in ADS (Keysight) and/or MWO (AWR/Cadence) as primary layout and design tools.
- Strong scripting and programming capability — Python and/or SKILL/TCL — applied to PDK development, design rule automation, or layout tooling.
- Deep familiarity with DRC/LVS rule deck development and physical verification flows (Calibre or equivalent).
- Proven ability to work across the design-fabrication boundary, comfortable engaging with process engineers on design rule intent as well as with designers on layout implementation.
- Highly detail-oriented with a track record of owning technical documentation to a high standard.
- Strong communication skills; able to represent technical detail clearly to customers and internal stakeholders alike.
Apply or send a CV to imogen@waverecruitment.co.uk
Process Design Kit and Layout Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Wave Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Wave Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Design Kit and Layout Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections are in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your technical skills. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Whether it’s through a portfolio or a personal website, let your work speak for itself. We love seeing real examples of your skills in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Process Design Kit and Layout Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your hands-on experience with MMIC layout and PDK development, as well as your proficiency in ADS or MWO. We want to see how you fit into our world!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your scripting and programming capabilities! Mention your experience with Python or SKILL/TCL, especially if you've applied them to PDK development or design rule automation. This is your chance to shine!
Communicate Clearly: Strong communication skills are key for this role. When writing your application, make sure to express your ability to represent technical details clearly. We love candidates who can bridge the gap between design and fabrication!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your application rolling!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wave Recruitment
✨Know Your PDK Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of Process Design Kits, especially those relevant to GaAs, GaN, and InP technologies. Brush up on design rules, DRC/LVS decks, and parameterised cells (PCells) so you can confidently discuss your experience and how it aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Layout Experience
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with MMIC layout. Be ready to share specific examples of projects where you transformed customer designs into fabrication-ready reticle designs, highlighting any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Your Scripting Skills
Since scripting and automation are key for this role, come prepared to discuss your proficiency in Python or SKILL/TCL. You might even want to bring along a small example of a script you've written that improved PDK deployment or layout efficiency.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential, so practice explaining complex technical details in a clear and concise manner. Think about how you would present your ideas to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, as this will be crucial in your interactions with customers and team members.