GenAI Physical Synthesis Engineer

Do you love building intelligent solutions that revolutionize chip design? Do you see the transformative potential of GenAI in physical synthesis workflows? As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you'll pioneer the next generation of AI-powered design automation tools that will accelerate our processor and SoC development. You'll harness cutting-edge GenAI and agentic technologies to solve complex physical synthesis challenges, enabling Apple to deliver even more powerful and efficient silicon. Joining this team means you'll be at the forefront of merging artificial intelligence with chip design, creating intelligent agents that will reshape how we build the technology that powers Apple's beloved devices!

Description You will apply your expertise in GenAI, agentic frameworks, and physical synthesis to develop intelligent automation solutions that transform our RTL-to-GDS implementation flows. You will be directly responsible for creating AI-powered agents using technologies like Model Context Protocol (MCP) that can autonomously optimize physical synthesis processes, predict design challenges, and recommend solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop GenAI-powered agentic applications for physical synthesis optimization and automation
• Implement intelligent agents using Model Context Protocol (MCP) and other agentic frameworks to enhance synthesis flows
• Create AI-driven solutions that can autonomously analyze and optimize Physical Synthesis, LEC and DFT Implementation workflows
• Build intelligent CAD tools that leverage GenAI for synthesis optimization and automated debugging
• Integrate agentic solutions with existing EDA tools (Fusion Compiler, Genus) to create seamless AI-enhanced workflows
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deploy AI agents across multiple design teams and synthesis flows

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience with GenAI frameworks, large language models, and AI agent development
• Experience with industry standard Synthesis tools such as Fusion Compiler or Genus
• Scripting skills in TCL, Python, or Perl for EDA tool automation
• Minimum requirement of BS + 10 years of relevant industry experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of physical synthesis concepts and CAD flows
• Experience in Python AI/ML libraries (PyTorch, TensorFlow, Transformers) and MCP or similar agentic frameworks
• Experience developing AI agents or autonomous systems for technical domains
• Knowledge of prompt engineering, RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation), and fine-tuning techniques
• Experience with agentic AI frameworks beyond MCP (AutoGen, CrewAI, LangChain agents, etc.)
• Background in CAD flow or frontend methodology development combined with AI/ML expertise
• Experience with Low Power implementation flows (UPF) and AI-driven power optimization
• Familiarity with logical equivalence tools (Conformal LEC, Formality) and opportunities for AI enhancement
• Knowledge of static timing analysis, place and route tools, and potential AI applications in these domains
• Experience with cloud platforms and distributed AI model deployment
• Publications or demonstrated expertise in AI applications for EDA or chip design

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant .