Job#: 3027134 Job Description: Physical Design Engineer - Wireless RF SiliconLocation: San Diego, CA
Type: Contract
Role Overview- The client is developing next-generation silicon to power a global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications network. The Wireless RF Silicon team is seeking a Physical Design Engineer to drive backend implementation and physical closure of complex, high-performance SoCs used in advanced wireless and RF systems.
- In this role, you will partner closely with RTL, architecture, and sign-off teams to translate designs into manufacturable silicon while balancing aggressive power, performance, and area (PPA) targets.
Key Responsibilities- Partner with RTL and logic design teams to evaluate architectural feasibility and drive early physical design studies.
- Explore and optimize power-performance-area (PPA) tradeoffs to ensure successful physical design closure.
- Own block-level and chip-level physical implementation, including:
- Logic synthesis
- Floorplanning and partitioning
- Bus and pin planning
- Place and route
- Power and clock distribution
- Perform and resolve congestion analysis, timing closure, and physical optimization.
- Execute IR drop and power integrity analysis and drive mitigation strategies.
- Lead physical verification, ECO implementation, and final sign-off.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve design issues and support tape-out milestones.
- Maintain high standards for quality, documentation, and design robustness in a fast-paced development environment.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong experience with ASIC physical design and backend implementation flows.
- Hands-on proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools, including:
- Fusion Compiler
- StarRCXT
- RedHawk-SC
- Calibre
- PrimeTime SI (PTSI)
- Solid understanding of timing analysis, power integrity, clocking strategies, and physical verification methodologies
- Experience working closely with RTL and logic designers in a full-chip or complex block environment
Preferred Qualifications- Experience supporting wireless, RF, or mixed-signal SoCs
- Exposure to advanced process nodes and high-performance designs
- Familiarity with low-power design techniques and multi-voltage domains
- Experience in silicon bring-up, tape-out support, or post-silicon debug is a plus
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
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Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.
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