IC Design Engineer

As a Digital IC Design Engineer at Broadcom, your main responsibilities will include writing RTL code in Verilog/SystemVerilog according to engineering specifications, performing high-level architecture specification analysis, and generating electronic design specifications. You’ll also implement high-quality RTL designs, work collaboratively with teams for verification and tests, and document both the RTL code and verification environment. This role plays a vital part in supporting chip verification and validation processes.

To qualify for the Digital IC Design Engineer position at Broadcom, candidates should hold a BS in Electrical or Electronic Engineering with 12+ years of related experience or an MSEE with 10+ years. Experience in digital design product development and an understanding of digital design and verification tools and methodologies are essential. Strong analytical skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities are vital, along with excellent communication skills. Knowledge of NVMe and PCIe is considered an advantage.

Digital IC Design Engineers at Broadcom utilize various state-of-the-art tools and methodologies that are industry-standard for digital design and verification. This includes simulation tools for verifying RTL code, emulation platforms for testing designs, and comprehensive methodologies for micro-architecture development. Familiarity with tools that facilitate low-power design and asynchronous clock domain crossings is highly advantageous.

Broadcom is committed to fostering the growth of its employees, including Digital IC Design Engineers. Opportunities for advancement can include moving into leadership roles within design teams, specializing further in new technologies such as NVMe and PCIe, or shifting to related fields such as firmware or systems engineering. Broadcom encourages continuous learning and professional development through various training programs and mentorship.

As a Digital IC Design Engineer at Broadcom, you'll engage in projects focused on enhancing our data center solutions, specifically developing high-performance ICs that adhere to industry specifications like NVMe and PCIe. You'll contribute to the design and verification of cutting-edge technology that supports cloud computing, data processing, and storage applications, impacting how data is managed across platforms.

When answering this question, emphasize your systematic approach to writing RTL code. Discuss how you translate design specifications into code, ensuring to follow best practices in coding and documenting your processes. Highlight your experience with test-plans and verification timelines to ensure functionality aligns with expectations.

In your response, explain that high-level architecture specification analysis is crucial as it sets the foundation for the overall design. Discuss how it enables you to identify potential design challenges early, align team objectives, and ensure all components will work cohesively together in the final product.

Share specific experiences where you encountered challenges with asynchronous clock domains. Explain how you identified issues, implemented effective solutions, and what methodologies you employed to ensure seamless functionality without timing problems. Highlight how these situations improved your skills.

Detail proactive measures you take to ensure code quality, such as peer reviews, using lint tools, and extensive simulation testing. Discuss the significance of code coverage and functional verification in confirming that your RTL meets its specifications reliably.

Outline any specific projects where you've worked with NVMe and PCIe. Discuss your understanding of these specifications, how you applied them in your design implementations, and their implications on performance and interoperability.

Provide an example that demonstrates your ability to work effectively in cross-functional settings. Discuss how communication was essential for problem-solving, aligning objectives, and ensuring successful project outcomes, highlighting your role in the collaboration.

Talk about which verification tools you have found to be most effective in your experience. Discuss your preference for certain methodologies, like UVM or assertion-based verification, and explain why they are beneficial for ensuring robust design outcomes.

Discuss your strategies for continuous learning, such as attending industry conferences, participating in online courses, or networking with peers. Emphasize the importance of staying updated with the latest design tools, methodologies, and industry trends to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Present a specific challenge you faced in a past project, detailing the situation, your analysis, the steps you took to address it, and the eventual outcome. Focus on how your problem-solving skills led to a successful resolution and contributed positively to the project.

Reflect on your personal interests, such as the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology, the challenge of complex design specifications, or the collaborative environment at Broadcom. Express your enthusiasm for contributing to significant projects that impact modern technologies.