ESD & CAD Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: ESD & CAD Design Manager

Company: Broadcom

Location: Chandler, Arizona, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering Operations / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-07-28

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and advance the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) flow development and Electronic System Design (ESD) design methodology to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant design processes.

• Lead and manage teams responsible for internal user support of PERC & PathFinder flows, design automation, modeling, characterization, and IP releases.

• Implement and manage internal and external tools, driving operational and technical excellence within the design engineering departments.

• Integrate robust ESD protection principles into the design phase to safeguard sensitive electronic components, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices.

• Conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, delegate work assignments, and evaluate emerging CAD and ESD technologies to optimize departmental productivity and integrate new technologies into existing workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges technical design management with a strong emphasis on process optimization and risk mitigation through ESD protection. The "Operations" aspect is heavily embedded in the management of design workflows, tools, and quality assurance rather than traditional GTM or RevOps functions. The focus is on ensuring the operational efficiency and integrity of the design lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and support of PERC (Physical Exclusive Rule Check) and PathFinder flows, providing essential internal user support to design teams.

• Lead the comprehensive development and continuous improvement of the entire CAD flow, encompassing all stages from schematic capture to final layout verification.

• Manage staff, projects, and resources effectively, including the implementation of internal and external tools for design automation, component modeling, characterization, and Intellectual Property (IP) releases.

• Guide and direct CAD project teams, fostering a culture of operational and technical excellence to meet project objectives and deadlines.

• Supervise, train, and mentor CAD team members, imparting core application skills, advanced design techniques, proficiency with software updates, and adherence to best practices.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including engineers, designers, project managers, and other stakeholders to define project scopes, establish realistic timelines, and ensure the successful delivery of technical objectives.

• Ensure rigorous quality control of all CAD outputs, verifying compliance with internal standards, industry regulations, and specific project requirements.

• Establish, document, and enforce ESD design guidelines and best practices throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring ESD considerations are integrated from the conceptual design phase.

• Review and approve electronic designs for ESD compliance, proactively identifying potential vulnerabilities and recommending necessary design modifications to mitigate risks.

• Conduct in-depth design-level ESD analysis and simulations to predict and prevent potential ESD failures, ensuring product reliability and longevity.

• Provide comprehensive training and ongoing guidance to design engineers on ESD-safe design principles and practical application methods.

• Maintain continuous communication with design and engineering management, providing regular reports on ESD design compliance status and proposing strategic improvements to ESD protection measures.

• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and effectively delegate work assignments for both CAD and ESD teams to ensure balanced workloads and skill development.

• Evaluate, recommend, and implement emerging CAD and ESD technologies and software solutions to enhance departmental productivity and competitive advantage.

• Ensure the seamless integration of new technologies and tools into existing design workflows and operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on process management (CAD flow, implementation, quality control) and technical expertise (ESD fundamentals, simulation, compliance). The role requires not only technical oversight but also strong leadership and strategic planning for tool adoption and team development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering) or a closely related technical field.

Experience: A minimum of twelve (12+) years of combined experience in Electrical System Design (ESD) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), with a minimum of three (3+) years in a formal management or team leadership capacity.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in multiple industry-standard CAD software platforms, including but not limited to: Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Primetime, Ansys Seascape/Redhawk/Totem PathFinder, Verilog, and Calibre.

• Deep understanding of CAD software capabilities, core design principles, engineering process methodologies, and relevant industry standards.

• Proficient in common scripting languages such as Perl and Python, essential for automating workflows and customizing tool functionalities.

• Solid understanding of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) fundamentals, including physics, principles, electronics design, and safety procedures critical for component protection.

• Familiarity with ESD design analysis tools, simulation software, and relevant industry standards (e.g., JEDEC, AEC).

• Experience with file management systems, version control (e.g., Git), and data management systems specifically for CAD applications to ensure data integrity and traceability.

• Proficiency in ESD-related design standards and the company's internal processes for design verification and release.

• Exceptional leadership, team building, and people management skills, with a proven ability to motivate and guide engineering teams.

• Strong project management and strategic planning abilities, with experience in defining project scope, managing timelines, and allocating resources effectively.

• Strong professional verbal and written communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely.

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders, including technical teams, management, and potentially external partners.

• Collaborative mindset with a passion for fostering a positive and productive team environment.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and analytical approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges.

• Highly organized and efficient, with a high level of attention to detail in managing complex design processes and data. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in EDA-specific scripting languages such as Skill and TCL.

• Experience with semiconductor device physics and their implications on ESD performance.

• Familiarity with advanced IC design techniques and methodologies.

• Experience in managing cross-functional projects involving multiple engineering disciplines.

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and implement new technologies and methodologies to improve design efficiency and product quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep technical expertise in CAD and ESD with proven leadership and process management capabilities. The requirement for multiple CAD platforms indicates a need for broad toolchain knowledge, while scripting proficiency points to an expectation of automation and process customization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successfully managed CAD design flows, illustrating process steps, tool utilization, and efficiency gains achieved through optimization.

• Present case studies demonstrating the strategic implementation of ESD design methodologies, highlighting risk mitigation, vulnerability identification, and successful prevention of ESD-related failures.

• Provide evidence of managing and integrating various CAD and ESD tools, detailing the process for evaluation, selection, implementation, and user training.

• Include documentation or descriptions of processes developed for ensuring quality control and compliance with industry standards and internal company guidelines for both CAD outputs and ESD protection. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting complex CAD workflows, from initial design input through to final verification and release, with a focus on clarity, reproducibility, and continuous improvement.

• Detail the process for developing and implementing ESD design guidelines, including how these guidelines are communicated, enforced, and updated based on evolving technology and standards.

• Showcase methods for measuring and reporting on the effectiveness of CAD and ESD processes, including key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design cycle time, error rates, compliance adherence, and product reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in this domain, a portfolio should not only display individual technical contributions but also demonstrate leadership in process development, team enablement, and strategic tool implementation. The emphasis is on managing the "how" of design and protection, not just the "what."

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The annual base salary range for this position is USD 129,400.00 to USD 207,000.00. This range is competitive for a management role in the semiconductor industry, particularly in a high-cost-of-living area like Chandler, Arizona, reflecting the extensive experience and specialized skills required.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings: 401(K) participation with company matching, enhancing long-term financial security.

• Equity and Ownership: Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) and annual equity awards, aligning employee success with company growth and performance.

• Financial Bonuses: Eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus, rewarding performance.

• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling and support services.

• Time Off: Generous company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time for work-life balance.

• Leave Policies: Adherence to all applicable laws for Paid Family Leave and other essential leaves of absence.

Working Hours: Standard full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week. Given the management and technical nature of the role, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and address urgent technical issues, but a structured work schedule will be maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is typical for a senior engineering manager role in the semiconductor industry in the US. The extensive benefits package, including equity and discretionary bonuses, reflects Broadcom's approach to attracting and retaining top talent in highly specialized technical fields.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Broadcom operates within the semiconductor and infrastructure software industry, a highly competitive and innovation-driven sector. This environment demands rigorous engineering standards, continuous technological advancement, and a strong focus on product quality and reliability.

Company Size: Broadcom is a large, global technology company with a significant workforce. This scale implies well-established processes, robust infrastructure, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across diverse teams and geographies. For an operations-focused role like this, it means access to resources and potential for impact on a large scale.

Founded: Broadcom was founded in 1961, giving it a long history of innovation and market presence. This longevity suggests a stable organization with deep expertise, established best practices, and a strong foundation in engineering excellence.

Team Structure:

• The ESD & CAD Design team is likely a specialized unit within Broadcom's larger engineering organization, potentially reporting up through a senior director of engineering or a VP of Design.

• The team structure will involve direct reports that are CAD engineers, ESD specialists, and possibly junior managers or leads, each with specific areas of focus.

• Close collaboration is expected with various design teams (e.g., analog, digital, mixed-signal), layout engineers, verification engineers, product engineering, and potentially external tool vendors. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on data-driven decision-making for CAD tool selection, process optimization, and ESD risk assessment, utilizing performance metrics and simulation results.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Strategic planning and implementation of efficient CAD flows and ESD methodologies to reduce design cycles, minimize errors, and enhance product reliability.

• Automation & Efficiency: A strong focus on leveraging scripting and automation to streamline repetitive tasks, improve accuracy, and increase overall departmental productivity.

Company Website: https://www.broadcom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Broadcom's size and industry position suggest a structured yet dynamic environment where operational efficiency in design directly impacts product success and market competitiveness. The company's long history implies a culture that values deep technical expertise and continuous improvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position, typically considered a Principal Engineer or Director level within an engineering operations context. It involves significant responsibility for strategic direction, team leadership, process ownership, and technical oversight of critical design infrastructure and protection methodologies. The scope extends beyond individual contribution to managing a team and influencing departmental strategy.

Reporting Structure: The ESD & CAD Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Vice President of Engineering, Design, or Operations, depending on the specific organizational structure within Broadcom's semiconductor division. They will directly manage a team of engineers and potentially technical leads.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is substantial, directly influencing the efficiency, quality, and reliability of Broadcom's semiconductor products. Effective CAD flow management reduces time-to-market and development costs, while robust ESD design ensures product integrity and customer satisfaction, preventing costly field failures and warranty claims.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced ESD protection techniques, novel CAD methodologies, or specific semiconductor process technologies.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress into higher-level management roles, such as Director of Engineering or VP of Design/Operations, overseeing larger departments or broader functional areas.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Transition into roles that require managing broader engineering functions, including verification, characterization, or product engineering, leveraging a strong foundation in design operations.

• Strategic Initiatives: Lead company-wide initiatives related to design tool strategy, process standardization, or new technology adoption within the engineering organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a large, established technology company. The combination of technical depth and management responsibilities positions individuals for significant career progression, either through increased technical scope, broader leadership, or strategic project ownership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, requiring the manager to be present at the Broadcom facility in Chandler, Arizona. This setting is typical for roles involving direct team management, access to specialized hardware/software, and close collaboration with other engineering functions.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Chandler, Arizona. This area is a significant hub for the semiconductor industry, offering a concentration of talent and related businesses. The specific office location will be at Broadcom's North Juniper Drive facility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will be designed to foster collaboration among the CAD and ESD teams, as well as with other engineering departments. This may include shared office spaces, meeting rooms, and common areas.

• Tools and Technology: Access to state-of-the-art CAD workstations, simulation software, high-performance computing resources, and relevant ESD testing equipment will be available.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, one-on-one discussions, project reviews, and informal knowledge sharing sessions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. However, the nature of engineering management and critical design processes may necessitate flexibility, including working beyond standard hours to meet project deadlines, respond to urgent technical issues, or support global team members in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for a management role overseeing complex design processes and teams. It allows for direct oversight, hands-on problem-solving, and effective team building. The environment is expected to be technically advanced and collaborative.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into technical expertise, management style, and specific experience related to CAD and ESD. Be prepared to discuss past projects and team leadership.

• Technical/Team Interviews: Interviews with senior engineers, peers, or potential direct reports to evaluate technical depth, problem-solving skills, and collaborative capabilities. Expect questions on specific CAD tools, ESD principles, and process management.

• Cross-Functional/Executive Interview: A potential interview with a senior leader (Director/VP) to assess strategic thinking, leadership vision, and alignment with Broadcom's overall engineering objectives.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, process improvements, and management achievements. This is a critical component for this role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly demonstrate leadership in both CAD flow development and ESD design methodology. Use a consistent structure for each case study: Problem, Solution (your approach/strategy), Implementation (tools, processes), and Results (quantifiable outcomes like time saved, errors reduced, compliance achieved).

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to illustrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced design cycle time by 15% through automation of X," or "Improved ESD compliance success rate from 90% to 98% by implementing Y process."

• Highlight Management Skills: Include examples that showcase your ability to lead teams, mentor engineers, manage projects, and implement new technologies. Discuss how you handled team challenges or conflicts.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Clearly articulate your experience with the required CAD and ESD tools. If possible, include anonymized examples of design flows or simulation results that highlight your expertise.

• Tailor to Broadcom: Research Broadcom's products and technologies. Frame your experience and portfolio examples in a way that demonstrates how your skills can directly benefit their specific engineering challenges and business goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Improvement Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to improve a CAD flow or ESD process. Think about how you would diagnose the problem, gather requirements, propose solutions, and implement changes.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Expect technical questions related to common ESD failure mechanisms, simulation interpretation, or troubleshooting CAD tool issues.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to discuss situations where you had to motivate a team, resolve conflicts, manage underperforming individuals, or make difficult decisions regarding project scope or resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily emphasize practical experience, leadership effectiveness, and the ability to articulate complex technical and process-related achievements. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating competence in managing design operations and ensuring product integrity.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Advanced proficiency is mandatory in platforms such as Cadence Virtuoso (for schematic capture, layout, and custom IC design), Synopsys Primetime (for static timing analysis and functional verification), and Ansys Seascape/Redhawk/Totem (for power integrity, signal integrity, and ESD analysis).

• Verification & Simulation: Experience with Verilog for hardware description and Calibre (Mentor Graphics/Siemens EDA) for design rule checking (DRC), layout versus schematic (LVS), and other physical verification tasks is crucial.

• Scripting Languages: Proficiency in Perl and Python for workflow automation, data processing, and tool customization is expected. EDA-specific languages like Skill (Cadence) and TCL are considered a significant plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Metrics Tools: Familiarity with tools or custom scripts used to track design metrics such as design cycle time, error rates, resource utilization, and compliance adherence.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or utilizing dashboards (e.g., using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or custom solutions) to visualize performance data for CAD and ESD teams and communicate key insights to management.

• Simulation Data Analysis: Ability to analyze large datasets from ESD simulations and CAD verification runs to identify trends, root causes of failures, and areas for process improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM/PDM Systems: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Product Data Management (PDM) systems for managing design data, revisions, and release workflows.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Utilizing scripting and potentially dedicated workflow management tools to automate repetitive design tasks, approvals, and data transfers between different stages of the design process.

• Integration Tools: Understanding of how different EDA tools and systems integrate within a broader design environment to ensure seamless data flow and process continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools listed are industry standards for semiconductor design and verification. Proficiency in these, along with scripting for automation, is non-negotiable for this role, highlighting the operational and technical demands of managing a design ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to high-quality, reliable, and efficient design processes, with a strong emphasis on meeting stringent project timelines and technical specifications.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing performance metrics, simulation results, and analytical insights to guide process improvements, tool selections, and strategic decisions.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and potential risks within CAD and ESD workflows, and implementing effective solutions.

• Collaboration and Communication: Fostering an environment where team members actively share knowledge, provide constructive feedback, and work together seamlessly across different engineering functions.

• Innovation and Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to stay at the forefront of design capabilities and ESD protection, adapting quickly to evolving industry standards and product requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with design engineers, layout teams, verification specialists, and product managers to understand their needs and ensure CAD/ESD processes effectively support their objectives.

• Open Feedback Loops: Encouraging a culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged, and process improvements are discussed openly and collaboratively.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, tool tips, and lessons learned through team meetings, documentation, and informal channels to elevate the collective expertise of the engineering organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values technical rigor, process efficiency, and collaborative problem-solving. For candidates, demonstrating an understanding of these values and how they translate into daily operations will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the constant advancements in CAD tools, semiconductor technologies, and ESD protection methods requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Complexity of Modern Designs: Managing the intricate design flows and ensuring robust ESD protection for increasingly complex integrated circuits presents ongoing technical challenges.

• Global Team Coordination: If managing teams across different geographies or time zones, coordinating efforts and ensuring consistent process adherence can be a significant challenge.

• Balancing Efficiency and Rigor: Finding the optimal balance between accelerating design cycles through automation and maintaining the highest standards of quality and ESD compliance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced ESD and CAD Techniques: Opportunities to attend industry conferences (e.g., GOMACTech, IRPS), specialized training courses, and vendor-led workshops to deepen expertise in cutting-edge ESD and CAD technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Broadcom's internal leadership training and development programs to hone management, strategic planning, and communication skills.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior executives within Broadcom or to mentor junior engineers, fostering personal and professional growth.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a wide range of semiconductor products and technologies, providing exposure to different design challenges and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for someone who thrives on technical challenges and is committed to continuous learning. The opportunities for growth are substantial, both in terms of technical mastery and leadership progression within a leading technology firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and optimizing a CAD flow for a new semiconductor technology node. What key metrics would you track, and how would you ensure adoption by design teams?"

• "How would you establish and enforce ESD design guidelines across multiple diverse engineering teams? What are the critical communication and training strategies you would employ?"

• "Imagine a scenario where a critical design is failing ESD compliance, impacting a product launch. How would you lead your team to diagnose the root cause, propose solutions, and expedite resolution while managing stakeholder expectations?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Broadcom's product portfolio and its impact on the semiconductor industry? How do you see the role of CAD and ESD management contributing to Broadcom's success?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within an engineering team, particularly when dealing with complex technical challenges and tight deadlines?"

• "Describe your experience in evaluating and implementing new EDA tools or ESD methodologies. What criteria do you use, and how do you manage the change process?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin your presentation with a high-level summary of your career achievements and the most significant contributions you've made in CAD and ESD management.

• Case Study Deep Dive: For each portfolio example, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic solution, the tools and processes used, and the quantifiable results achieved. Focus on your role in leading the initiative.

• Demonstrate Process Ownership: Show how you have developed, documented, and improved design processes. Use flowcharts or diagrams where appropriate to illustrate complex workflows.

• Highlight Leadership: Weave in examples of your leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration throughout your presentation. Discuss how you empowered your team.

• Engage and Interact: Be prepared for questions throughout your presentation. Treat it as a collaborative discussion rather than a monologue.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of both the technical intricacies of CAD/ESD and the strategic aspects of managing engineering operations. Quantifiable results and clear examples of leadership are paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this ESD & CAD Design Manager position at Broadcom:

• Submit your application through the Broadcom careers portal link provided.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your extensive experience in ESD and CAD design, emphasizing your management achievements, proficiency with the specified tools (Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Primetime, Ansys tools, Verilog, Calibre), and your skills in process optimization and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful projects showcasing your expertise in CAD flow development, ESD design methodology, tool implementation, and team management. Ensure each example includes a problem statement, your solution, the processes and tools used, and quantifiable results.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear articulation of technical concepts, leadership contributions, and business impact. Be ready to discuss your management style and how you foster team collaboration and efficiency.

• Research Broadcom: Familiarize yourself with Broadcom's semiconductor products, market position, and engineering culture. Understanding their business context will allow you to better tailor your responses and demonstrate your alignment with their strategic goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.