Staff Analog IC Layout Engineer

As a Staff Analog IC Layout Engineer at Elevate Semiconductor, you will be responsible for performing the physical layout of analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits from block-level layouts to full-chip integration. Your role will involve optimizing area, performance, and power through careful floorplanning and placement of circuit components, as well as verifying layouts with industry-standard tools for LVS and DRC to ensure compliance with design rules.

To qualify for the Staff Analog IC Layout Engineer position at Elevate Semiconductor, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field along with a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in analog and mixed-signal IC layout design. Strong knowledge of analog CMOS circuits, device physics fundamentals, and hands-on experience with EDA tools like Cadence or Mentor Graphics are essential qualifications for this role.

Staff Analog IC Layout Engineers at Elevate Semiconductor typically utilize industry-standard EDA tools for analog and mixed-signal design, including Cadence, Mentor Graphics, and Tanner. Proficiency in performing LVS and DRC verification using these tools is also a key requirement for the role.

At Elevate Semiconductor, you can expect a collaborative and innovative work environment as a Staff Analog IC Layout Engineer. The culture emphasizes teamwork and mentorship, with opportunities for professional growth, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and unlimited paid time off.

In addition to the required qualifications for the Staff Analog IC Layout Engineer role, Elevate Semiconductor prefers candidates with experience in layout for high-voltage (100V+), mixed voltage domains, high-speed circuits, ultra-high precision circuits, high-resolution data converters, and BiCMOS process technologies. Programming and scripting abilities, particularly in SKILL and Calibre scripts, are also a strong plus.

In your response, you should highlight specific tools you've used for LVS and DRC verification, such as Cadence or Mentor Graphics. Provide examples of complex layouts you've worked with, and discuss how you ensured compliance with design rules while meeting project goals.

When answering this question, emphasize your methodology for floorplanning, including how you consider factors such as performance, area efficiency, and power management. Discuss any successful projects where your floorplanning led to significant improvements.

Share a specific challenge you've encountered during layout verification, detailing the issue and the steps you took to troubleshoot and resolve it. This response should showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with the design team.

Illustrate your communication and collaboration skills by providing examples of successful projects where you worked with digital designers and packaging teams. Highlight how you contributed to optimizing overall chip performance.

In this answer, discuss your experience with high-voltage design layouts, focusing on the specific considerations you needed to keep in mind, such as isolation, spacing, and device interactions. Provide examples of successful designs.

Talk about your meticulous approach to ensuring accuracy in layouts, including using best practices, checklists, and manual reviews. Mention how you validate the final designs against specifications.

Describe your experiences with mentorship, both as a mentor and a mentee. Discuss how mentorship has influenced your skills and career trajectory, and express your eagerness to continue this in a collaborative environment.

To answer this question, mention the resources you use, such as seminars, webinars, technical papers, and professional networks. Illustrate how this continual learning has positively impacted your work.

Highlight how programming and scripting improve efficiency and accuracy in IC layout design. Discuss any specific programming languages or scripting tools you've utilized and how they have streamlined your processes.

Emphasize the importance of open communication and collaboration. Discuss your strategies for receiving and integrating feedback into your layouts for both improved designs and team synergy.