Nuvia
General Summary:
About the Role:
We’re seeking an experienced CAD Development Engineer with a strong background in Physical Design and Automation. In this role, you will:
- Develop advanced physical implementation tools and methodologies to optimize PPA (Power, Performance, Area), improve quality, and accelerate design cycles.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and efficiency in design flows.
Key Responsibilities:
- Enable technology and develop reference flows for advanced nodes (below 4nm), addressing deep sub-micron challenges.
- Interface with EDA vendors to deliver production-ready toolsets and enhance PPA metrics across multiple blocks.
- Partner with core and SoC design teams to create solutions for advanced multi-die implementations and next-generation process nodes.
- Validate solutions across end-to-end PD domains: synthesis, PnR, timing sign-off, and physical verification.
- Work closely with vendors, PD teams, and IP teams to resolve issues in technology enablement and PD execution.
*Please note this role will require 5 days per week onsite in our Cork office*
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field.What We’re Looking For:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering (Master’s preferred).
- Strong understanding of CMOS circuit design and VLSI concepts.
- Minimum 6 years of Physical Design experience, including:
o Floorplanning for advanced nodes (4nm and below).
o Place & Route expertise using Synopsys Fusion Compiler and/or Cadence Innovus.
o Deep knowledge of placement, CTS (skew balancing), congestion mitigation, and legalisation.
o DRC debugging and sign-off physical verification using Calibre.
o Familiarity with tech LEFs, standard cell libraries, and advanced node DRC rules.
o Proven ability to implement PPA-critical cores and make trade-off decisions.
o Timing closure experience with PrimeTime/Tempus, IR analysis, GDS export.
- Strong scripting skills (PERL/TCL/Python) and proficiency in Linux/Unix environments.
- Excellent analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience working in large teams and meeting project milestones.
Why Join Us?
- Work on leading-edge technologies powering next-generation products.
- Be part of a high-performing global team that values innovation and collaboration.
- Enjoy career growth opportunities and continuous learning in a fast-paced environment.
Location: Cork, Ireland
Cork is Ireland’s second-largest economic hub and one of Europe’s Top 20 business locations, hosting over 170 international companies and employing 39,000 professionals.
With excellent quality of life, cultural diversity, and connectivity to nearly 50 international destinations, Cork offers an ideal setting for work and life.
About Us:
Qualcomm Cork, a greenfield site based in the beautiful harbour city of Cork opened its doors in August 2013 and has been growing ever since across our QCT Engineering, OneIT and HR teams.
The Cork QCT engineering team is continuing to expand. Our engineers work on all aspects of leading-edge technology, including; Analog Mixed Signal, Security, Power Management, Sensors, Machine Learning, Modelling, Validation, Design Automation, Automotive and Physical Design. We are the R&D engine that benefits the world in three ways: Enabling Customers, Transforming Industries and Enriching Lives.
What's on Offer:
Apart from working in an open, relaxed and collaborative space, you will enjoy:
- Salary, stock and performance related bonus
- Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Employee stock purchase scheme
- Matching pension scheme
- Education Assistance
- Relocation and immigration support (if needed)
- Life, Medical, Income and Travel Insurance
- Subsidised memberships for physical and mental well-being
- Bicycle purchase scheme
- Employee run clubs, including, running, football, chess, badminton + many more.
*References to a particular number of years experience are for indicative purposes only. Applications from candidates with equivalent experience will be considered, provided that the candidate can demonstrate an ability to fulfill the principal duties of the role and possesses the required competencies.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.