Physical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Physical Design Manager Company: Cadence Design Systems Location: Austin, Texas, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Operations - Semiconductor/EDA (Electronic Design Automation) Date Posted: September 23, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage complex physical design projects from RTL to GDSII for microprocessor designs, ensuring successful tape-outs on advanced process nodes.
• Define, develop, and drive physical design flows and methodologies, aligning tool and resource requirements with Business Units (BUs) and R&D.
• Engage with foundry partners and design teams to establish best practices, tool selections, and roadmaps for cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.
• Drive strategic technical engagements, including sales calls and technology discussions, to promote Cadence's digital product portfolio and solutions.
• Manage and mentor a global team of physical design engineers across the US, India, and Europe, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within the semiconductor Electronic Design Automation (EDA) sector, requiring deep technical expertise in physical design and leadership capabilities to manage a global team. The focus is on driving the entire physical design flow and influencing strategic partnerships, which is a critical function in delivering advanced chip solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute detailed floor planning, power planning, and I/O planning for complex chip designs.
• Manage and optimize Placement and Routing (P&R) processes to achieve optimal performance, power, and area (PPA) targets.
• Lead Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) and ensure robust clock distribution networks for high-speed designs.
• Drive Static Timing Analysis (STA) and timing closure efforts to meet stringent performance specifications.
• Ensure adherence to physical verification standards (DRC/LVS) and manage sign-off processes.
• Understand and integrate Design for Testability (DFT) requirements into the physical design flow.
• Develop and implement strategies for high-speed interconnect design and optimization.
• Coordinate with BU and R&D teams to identify and align tool and resource requirements for physical design projects.
• Engage in technical sales calls and technology discussions, presenting Cadence's digital product roadmap and solutions to potential clients and partners.
• Manage and mentor a global solutions team, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and career development support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on leadership role that requires not only deep technical expertise in the physical design flow but also strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and people management. The emphasis on "driving RTL to GDS flow for microprocessor design" and "engaging with foundry & design partners" indicates a significant impact on product development and market strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• PhD in a relevant engineering discipline is strongly preferred, indicating a need for advanced theoretical understanding and research capabilities.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Physical Design or a related semiconductor design field.
• Demonstrated track record of multiple successful tape-outs for complex integrated circuits, specifically including high-end Arm cores, signifying experience with industry-leading IP and demanding design challenges.
• Proven experience in leading and managing complex engineering projects from conception through to production, including resource allocation, timeline management, and risk mitigation.
• Experience in managing and developing engineering teams, preferably in a global or distributed setting.

Required Skills:

• Physical Design Expertise: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of the entire physical design flow, from RTL synthesis to GDSII sign-off.
• RTL to GDS Flow: Mastery of the complete flow, including synthesis, floor planning, P&R, CTS, STA, and physical verification.
• Microprocessor Design: In-depth knowledge of physical design challenges and methodologies specific to microprocessor architectures.
• Foundry Engagement: Experience interacting with foundries to define and leverage process technologies, design kits, and methodologies for advanced nodes.
• Technical Sales & Strategy: Ability to engage in technical sales discussions, understand customer needs, and position Cadence's digital products effectively.
• Digital Products Roadmap: Familiarity with the development and strategic positioning of digital semiconductor products.
• Floor Planning: Expertise in strategic chip planning, including placement of major blocks, power grid design, and signal routing strategies.
• Power Planning: Deep understanding of power delivery network (PDN) design, IR drop analysis, and power integrity techniques.
• IO Planning: Proficiency in planning and designing chip I/O interfaces, considering signal integrity, power, and package constraints.
• Placement and Routing (P&R): Advanced skills in utilizing P&R tools to optimize timing, power, and area.
• Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS): Expertise in designing and analyzing clock networks to ensure low skew and jitter.
• Static Timing Analysis (STA) & Timing Closure: Strong command of STA tools and methodologies to achieve timing closure for high-performance designs.
• Physical Verification (DRC/LVS): Thorough knowledge of Design Rule Checking (DRC) and Layout Versus Schematic (LVS) for ensuring design manufacturability and correctness.
• High-Speed Interconnect: Understanding of advanced interconnect technologies and optimization techniques for high-speed signals.
• Design for Testability (DFT): Knowledge of DFT techniques and their impact on the physical design flow.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced process nodes (e.g., 7nm, 5nm, 3nm and below).
• Proficiency with Cadence's suite of physical design tools (e.g., Genus, Innovus, Tempus, Voltus, Quantus).
• Experience managing remote or globally distributed engineering teams.
• Strong project management skills, including Agile or other relevant methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and productive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills list is extensive and highly specific to the semiconductor physical design domain. The emphasis on "high end Arm cores" and specific EDA tools (implied by Cadence as the employer) suggests a need for candidates with direct experience in high-performance computing or similar complex SoC designs. The preference for a PhD and 10+ years of experience positions this as a senior leadership role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful leadership of physical design projects through the complete RTL to GDSII flow, showcasing a systematic approach to each stage.
• Provide detailed case studies of at least two complex tape-outs, highlighting your specific contributions, challenges encountered, and solutions implemented to achieve PPA targets.
• Include examples of developed or refined physical design methodologies, workflows, or automation scripts that led to measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, or turnaround time.
• Showcase experience with managing and integrating various EDA tools within a physical design environment, emphasizing how you ensured tool compatibility and optimal usage.
• Present evidence of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., RTL design, DFT, verification, foundry support) and how your work integrated with their efforts.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of documented physical design flows, including detailed steps for floor planning, P&R, CTS, STA, and physical verification, with emphasis on version control and change management.
• Documentation of power planning strategies, including IR drop analysis methodologies and power integrity sign-off criteria.
• Records of process improvement initiatives, detailing the problem, proposed solution, implementation, and measured results (e.g., reduction in timing closure iterations, improved PPA metrics).
• Evidence of engagement with foundry technology files and design kits, including documentation of how these were integrated into the design flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a manager role in physical design, a portfolio demonstrating leadership, process ownership, and tangible results is crucial. It's not just about individual technical contributions but also about the ability to define, manage, and improve complex engineering processes and guide a team to execute them effectively. The emphasis should be on strategic thinking and process optimization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the demanding nature of the role, the required 10+ years of specialized experience, leadership responsibilities, and the industry standard for a Physical Design Manager at a leading EDA company like Cadence, a competitive salary range is expected. For Austin, Texas, a senior engineering manager with this profile could expect an annual base salary between $200,000 and $280,000 USD. This estimate includes potential for bonuses and stock options, which are common at this level.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with company match, supporting long-term financial planning for operations professionals.
• Stock Options/RSUs: Potential for equity grants, aligning employee success with company growth.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays, crucial for maintaining work-life balance in demanding roles.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, conferences, and certifications relevant to semiconductor design and management, supporting continuous learning.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard coverage to protect employees and their families.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Resources for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours. However, given the project-driven nature of physical design and management responsibilities, flexibility and occasional extended hours may be required to meet critical deadlines and tape-out schedules. The company likely offers some flexibility in daily start/end times to accommodate team collaboration across time zones and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Austin, TX, considering the experience level, leadership scope, and the specific industry (EDA/Semiconductor). Benefits are standard for a large tech company but are highlighted with context relevant to operations professionals needing work-life balance and growth opportunities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electronic Design Automation (EDA) and Semiconductor Intellectual Property (IP) development. Cadence is a key player in providing software, hardware, and services for designing integrated circuits, system-on-chips (SoCs), and systems. Company Size: Cadence Design Systems is a large, established technology company with thousands of employees globally (typically in the range of 9,000-10,000+ employees). This size offers stability, robust resources, and structured career paths, but can also mean more corporate processes. Founded: Cadence was founded in 1988, giving it a long history and deep expertise in the EDA market.

Team Structure:

• The Physical Design Manager will likely lead a team of senior physical design engineers, potentially spread across different geographical locations (US, India, Europe). This structure necessitates strong remote management and communication skills.
• The team typically reports to a Director or Vice President of Engineering within the digital design or IP division.
• Close collaboration is expected with other engineering teams, including RTL design, verification, DFT, characterization, and product management, as well as with sales and marketing for strategic engagements.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, utilizing metrics from EDA tools and project management systems to track progress and identify areas for optimization.
• Agile or hybrid methodologies are often adopted for project management to adapt to evolving technical requirements and timelines.
• A culture of continuous improvement, encouraging the adoption of new tools, techniques, and automation to enhance efficiency and PPA.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Cadence's position as a market leader in EDA suggests a culture that values technical excellence, innovation, and customer focus. The company's global presence means the team structure will likely be distributed, requiring strong leadership in managing remote and cross-cultural teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position, falling under the "Manager" or "Senior Manager" career band within engineering. It signifies a transition from an individual contributor specialist to a leader responsible for team performance, project execution, and strategic contributions. Reporting Structure: The Physical Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Physical Design or a VP of Engineering, overseeing a team of individual contributors and potentially junior leads. They will be expected to interface with senior stakeholders across engineering, product management, and sales. Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the company's ability to deliver high-performance, competitive semiconductor products. Success in this role means enabling the creation of cutting-edge chips that drive innovation in various technology sectors. The manager's ability to drive efficient flows and successful tape-outs directly impacts product time-to-market and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced process nodes, specific IP design (e.g., high-performance CPU cores), or advanced physical design techniques.
• Leadership Progression: Advance to Director-level roles, managing larger teams, broader portfolios, or strategic engineering initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into roles in product management, technical marketing, or strategic alliances within the semiconductor ecosystem.
• Global Team Management: Develop skills in managing and leading geographically dispersed teams, a highly valued competency in the tech industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within Cadence or the broader semiconductor industry, focusing on both technical leadership and people management. The global team aspect is a key differentiator for growth potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Cadence typically operates with modern, well-equipped office spaces designed to foster collaboration and productivity. This role is on-site in Austin, indicating a need for physical presence in the office. Office Location(s): The primary office location is Austin, Texas. This provides access to a vibrant tech hub with a strong talent pool in the semiconductor and related industries.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a collaborative office environment, with dedicated desks and access to shared meeting rooms equipped with presentation technology.
• Engineers will have access to powerful workstations and the necessary software licenses for Cadence's EDA tools.
• Opportunities for interaction with team members, mentors, and cross-functional colleagues will be readily available within the office setting.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the dynamic nature of semiconductor design, especially around tape-out schedules, often requires flexibility. Employees may need to work longer hours during critical project phases. The company likely promotes a culture that balances demanding work with employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Austin emphasizes the importance of team collaboration, direct mentorship, and hands-on problem-solving within a physical office environment, which is common for critical engineering management roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on technical expertise, leadership style, project management experience, and strategic thinking.
• Technical Interviews: Series of interviews with senior engineers and potential team members to evaluate deep technical knowledge in physical design, PPA optimization, and tool proficiency. May include whiteboard sessions or theoretical problem-solving.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their work portfolio, detailing specific projects, methodologies, and impact. This is a critical stage for demonstrating leadership and process ownership.
• Cross-Functional/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with peers from other departments (e.g., verification, marketing) to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the broader product development lifecycle.
• Executive/VP Interview: Final interview with senior leadership to assess strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by stage of the physical design flow. For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role and responsibilities, the methodologies used, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results (PPA improvements, time savings, etc.).
• Showcase Leadership: Explicitly highlight instances where you led teams, mentored junior engineers, defined processes, or made critical technical decisions that impacted project outcomes.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible. Instead of saying "improved timing," say "reduced setup violations by X% and achieved a Y% improvement in clock frequency."
• Process Focus: Demonstrate your understanding of process optimization. Show how you identified inefficiencies and implemented changes to improve flow, automation, or quality.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to microprocessor design, advanced nodes, and managing global teams, aligning with the job description's key requirements.
• Presentation: Practice your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for technical challenges that may involve hypothetical scenarios related to floor planning, timing closure, power delivery, or physical verification on complex designs.
• Expect questions about how you would handle specific team management situations, such as resolving conflicts, motivating engineers, or managing performance issues.
• Practice articulating your strategic approach to physical design flows and your vision for leveraging new technologies or methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is rigorous, typical for senior technical management roles in the semiconductor industry. The portfolio review is a key differentiator, requiring candidates to not only showcase technical depth but also leadership and process management capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Cadence Innovus Implementation System: For physical design tasks including floor planning, placement, clock tree synthesis, routing, and optimization.
• Cadence Genus Synthesis Solution: For logic synthesis and optimization.
• Cadence Tempus Timing Signoff Solution: For static timing analysis and timing closure.
• Cadence Voltus IC Power Integrity Solution: For power integrity analysis and power grid design.
• Cadence Quantus Extraction Solution: For parasitic extraction.
• Cadence Pegasus Verification System: For physical verification (DRC/LVS).
• Synopsys Design Constraints (SDC): Standard format for timing constraints.
• Synopsys PrimeTime: Often used for timing sign-off, though Cadence Tempus is the primary tool here.
• Scripting Languages: TCL (Tool Command Language) is extensively used for automation within EDA tools. Perl, Python, and Shell scripting are also common for workflow management and data processing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Cadence Tools: For performance monitoring, log analysis, and reporting on design metrics.
• Custom Scripts: Developed for specific data extraction, analysis, and visualization of design results.
• Project Management Software: Tools like JIRA, Asana, or internal systems for tracking tasks, progress, and team assignments.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Tools: Potentially used by sales and marketing teams for customer engagement, which the manager might interact with during technical sales calls.
• Internal Automation Frameworks: Cadence likely has internal systems for build management, release automation, and workflow orchestration.
• Version Control Systems: Git, Perforce for managing design data and scripts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Cadence's own suite of tools is paramount for this role, given the employer. Expertise in scripting for automation is also critical for managing complex flows and improving efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to deep understanding and mastery of physical design principles and EDA tools.
• Innovation: Driving new methodologies, leveraging advanced technologies, and finding creative solutions to complex design challenges.
• Collaboration: Fostering strong teamwork within the physical design group and across cross-functional engineering teams, as well as with external partners.
• Customer Focus: Understanding and addressing the needs of internal (e.g., RTL design teams) and external customers (foundries, chip design companies).
• Efficiency & Productivity: A drive to optimize processes, automate tasks, and deliver results with speed and high quality.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all aspects of work, from technical execution to team interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where engineers are encouraged to share knowledge, provide constructive feedback, and work together to solve problems.
• The manager will facilitate communication and coordination between globally distributed team members and with other departments.
• A proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential roadblocks, involving relevant stakeholders early on.
• Emphasis on clear communication channels and documentation to ensure alignment across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a high-performance engineering culture common in the tech industry, with a strong emphasis on technical proficiency, collaboration, and delivering value to customers. The global team aspect means communication and cultural sensitivity are key collaboration elements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global Teams: Effectively leading and motivating a geographically dispersed team across different time zones and cultural backgrounds.
• Advanced Process Nodes: Keeping pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes (e.g., sub-5nm nodes) and their associated physical design complexities.
• PPA Optimization: Continuously pushing the boundaries of Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) for increasingly complex designs under tight constraints.
• Tool Integration & Flow Development: Defining and refining robust, efficient physical design flows that integrate multiple EDA tools effectively.
• Strategic Engagement: Balancing day-to-day team and project management with strategic technical sales and partnership discussions.
• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining top physical design talent in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with the latest EDA tools and engaging with leading-edge semiconductor technologies and foundries.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Opportunities to attend major conferences (e.g., DAC, ICC) and participate in specialized training programs.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Cadence and to mentor junior engineers, fostering leadership skills.
• Leadership Development Programs: Cadence typically offers internal programs to develop management and leadership capabilities.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Opportunity to work on a variety of microprocessor designs and engage with different customer segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a rapidly advancing technical field. The growth opportunities are significant, offering both technical and leadership development pathways.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a new physical design flow for an advanced process node. What are the key considerations and potential pitfalls?" (Focus on methodology, tool selection, validation, and adoption.)
• "How would you manage a global team of physical design engineers to ensure project success and consistent quality across different locations?" (Focus on communication strategies, performance management, cultural awareness, and leveraging global strengths.)
• "Walk me through a challenging timing closure scenario you faced and how you resolved it. What specific techniques did you employ, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical depth, and results.)
• "How do you balance the demands of project delivery with the need for strategic technical engagement with customers or partners?" (Focus on prioritization, time management, and stakeholder communication.)
• "What is your philosophy on talent development and mentorship for engineers on your team?" (Focus on leadership style, coaching, and career growth.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Cadence's position in the EDA market and its digital design solutions?" (Demonstrate research on company products, strategy, and competitors.)
• "How do you see your leadership style aligning with Cadence's values of innovation and technical excellence?" (Connect your approach to company culture.)
• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder or team. How did you navigate the situation to achieve a positive outcome?" (Assess collaboration and conflict resolution skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your leadership, technical expertise, and process management skills relevant to microprocessor design and advanced nodes.
• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the challenge, your strategy, the execution (key steps, tools, team involvement), the results (quantified PPA improvements, tape-out success), and your key learnings.
• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, charts, and metrics to illustrate your points. Avoid overwhelming slides with too much text.
• Focus on Leadership: Clearly articulate your role as a manager – how you guided the team, made decisions, managed resources, and ensured project success.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical choices, problem-solving approaches, and team management strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical knowledge, but also leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex projects and diverse teams within the specific context of EDA and semiconductor design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Physical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Cadence Careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in microprocessor physical design, RTL to GDS flow, PPA optimization, advanced nodes, and team leadership. Specifically mention experience with high-end Arm cores and any relevant EDA tools.
• Resume Optimization: Quantify achievements in your resume. Use action verbs and focus on results-oriented bullet points that demonstrate impact (e.g., "Achieved 15% timing improvement through innovative CTS techniques," "Managed a global team of 10 engineers").
• Company Research: thoroughly research Cadence Design Systems, its products (especially in digital design and IP), its competitors, and its recent news or technological advancements. Understand their strategic direction.
• Prepare Portfolio Presentation: Assemble your portfolio, focusing on clear case studies that demonstrate your leadership in physical design projects, process improvements, and successful tape-outs. Practice your presentation for clarity and impact.

⚠️ 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.