Design Automation Engineer

As a Design Automation Engineer at Cerebras Systems, you will oversee a variety of tasks focusing on Physical Design automation. Your responsibilities will include scripted placement and routing, library cell characterization, and server infrastructure support. With your expertise, you'll work closely with the physical design team to develop efficient flows and tools that enhance AI compute capabilities.

To join Cerebras Systems as a Design Automation Engineer, you should possess at least 10 years of relevant experience in flow development and scripting for physical design. Proficiency in scripting languages like Tcl and Python, as well as knowledge of full chip floorplanning and physical design flows, is essential. A BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field is also required.

Essential technical skills for a Design Automation Engineer at Cerebras Systems include expertise in generating structured placement and routing, characterization automation, and familiarity with Synopsys tools. A solid understanding of server infrastructure and experience with AWS and internal compute resources will also be valuable in this role.

Cerebras Systems stands out as a unique workplace due to its innovative non-corporate culture that fosters individuality and respect. Here, Design Automation Engineers can contribute to building a revolutionary AI platform, enjoy job stability akin to startups, and take pride in working on one of the fastest AI supercomputers in existence.

To prepare for the Design Automation Engineer role at Cerebras Systems, focus on honing your skills in physical design automation, particularly in scripted placement, routing, and characterization automation. Familiarize yourself with AWS integration and enhance your programming capabilities in Tcl and Python. Understanding the complete physical design flow and gaining insights into teamwork with RTL teams will be pivotal for success in this position.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you utilized your skills in physical design automation. Discuss your proficiency in scripted placement and routing, and how you’ve implemented automation libraries or tools that improved efficiency in the design flow.

Be prepared to mention your experiences with scripting languages like Tcl and Python. Share examples of how you have used these languages to automate design processes or develop tools that enhanced project outcomes.

Provide a specific example of a challenge in design automation, detailing the complexities involved and the steps you took to address the issue. Emphasize your analytical and problem-solving skills.

Discuss your approach to maintaining high standards in design automation, such as code reviews, testing scripts, and collaborating with other team members to ensure that the final output meets the desired specifications.

Share instances of successful collaboration with RTL teams, emphasizing how you worked together to optimize designs for better physical outcomes. Highlight communication skills and teamwork.

Explain how full chip floorplanning impacts the overall design flow, particularly in terms of efficiency and performance. Elaborate on your methods for handling floorplanning challenges based on your experience.

Discuss your methods for staying current, such as attending conferences, participating in webinars, and following relevant publications. Show that you are proactive about continuous learning and adaptation.

Provide insights into your time management strategies. Talk about how you prioritize tasks and allocate your time effectively while maintaining quality standards in your design automation processes.

List the specific tools and technologies you have experience with, such as those from the Synopsys tool suite, and how you've applied them practically in your design automation roles.

Share your enthusiasm for Cerebras Systems and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking AI technology. Discuss how the company’s mission aligns with your personal and professional goals, making it an ideal place for your expertise.