Library Characterization Engineer

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Job Description:

We are seeking a skilled Standard Cell Library Characterization Engineer to join our IP development team. In this role, you will be responsible for characterizing standard cell libraries across multiple process nodes, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, silicon-correlated timing, power, and noise models that enable successful SoC design closure. You will work at the intersection of circuit design, EDA tooling, and advanced semiconductor process technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Library Characterization: Characterize standard cell libraries for timing, power, noise, and signal integrity across multiple PVT (Process, Voltage, Temperature) corners.
• Model Generation: Generate and validate Liberty (.lib) models for use in synthesis, STA, and place-and-route flows.
• Tool Flow Development: Develop, maintain, and enhance characterization flows using industry-standard tools such as Cadence Liberate, Synopsys SiliconSmart/PrimeLib.
• SPICE Simulation: Run and debug HSPICE / FineSim / Spectre simulations for cell-level characterization.
• Quality Assurance: Perform QA validation.
• Statistical Characterization: Support LVF (Liberty Variation Format) for advanced nodes.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with circuit designers to debug correlation issues.
• Automation: Develop scripts and automation infrastructure in Python, Perl, TCL, or Shell to streamline characterization, validation, and release flows.

Requirements/Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Skills:
  • Understanding of CMOS circuit design, timing arcs, and cell behavior (combinational, sequential…)
  • Liberty syntax, NLDM/CCS/LVF modeling, and timing/power semantics.
  • Familiarity with STA concepts, including setup/hold, recovery/removal, CCS noise.
  • Scripting expertise in Python, TCL, Perl, or Shell.
• Strong analytical and debugging skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple library deliverables in parallel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for cross-functional collaboration.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to quality and on-time delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with complex sequential cells (e.g., retention, multi-bit, ultra-low-power, high-performance).
• Experience with machine learning–based characterization acceleration techniques.
• Knowledge of EM/IR analysis and reliability modeling.

Experience

• Hands-on experience in standard cell characterization or closely related circuit design roles.

Travel Time:

0% - 25%

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