Staff Engineer, ASIC Development Engineering

As a Staff Engineer in ASIC Development Engineering at Sandisk, you'll be responsible for leading the design and implementation of complex ASIC architectures. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish and optimize ASIC specifications, develop RTL code using industry-standard HDLs, and execute comprehensive verification plans to ensure design quality.

To qualify for the Staff Engineer, ASIC Development Engineering role at Sandisk, candidates should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering or Computer Engineering. Additionally, eight or more years of experience in ASIC development engineering and a deep understanding of digital design principles are essential.

Experience with bus protocols such as AXI, AHB, and APB is crucial for the Staff Engineer, ASIC Development Engineering position at Sandisk. Knowledge of various interfaces like PCIe, USB, I2C, and SPI is equally important, as it supports the development and implementation of effective ASIC designs.

Candidates for the Staff Engineer, ASIC Development Engineering role at Sandisk should be proficient in SystemVerilog, Verilog, and UVM-based verification methodologies. Familiarity with EDA tools for ASIC development and gate-level simulations is also expected, alongside solid understanding of timing analysis and power optimization techniques.

As a Staff Engineer in ASIC Development Engineering at Sandisk, you can expect to lead projects focused on the development of advanced ASIC technologies and contribute to innovative semiconductor designs. You'll also work closely with foundries and external partners to ensure successful tape-outs and the integrity of the designs.

Discuss your hands-on experience in ASIC development, highlighting specific projects where you played a key role. Emphasize your familiarity with different design methodologies, your approach to problem-solving during design challenges, and how you've effectively collaborated with other engineers and teams.

Outline your structured approach to designing ASIC architectures, from initial specification through to implementation. Mention the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to gather requirements, and provide examples of tools or methodologies you have found effective in previous projects.

Share specific strategies such as developing detailed verification plans, utilizing industry-standard verification methodologies, and conducting thorough design reviews. Highlight the importance of peer review and iterative testing throughout the design process.

Discuss your approach to continual learning, such as attending industry conferences, engaging with professional organizations, or staying active in relevant online forums. Mention how this knowledge can be applied to enhance ASIC projects at Sandisk.

Talk about the programming languages you've worked with, especially SystemVerilog and Verilog. Describe specific projects where you've utilized these tools and the challenges you faced, along with how you overcame them.

Elaborate on the techniques you employ for timing analysis, discussing tools and simulation methodologies. For power optimization, share best practices you’ve implemented to enhance design efficiency while meeting performance benchmarks.

Reflect on your mentoring style, citing specific examples where you've provided guidance on technical projects. Stress the importance of fostering a supportive and encouraging learning environment to help junior engineers build skills and confidence.

Provide specific examples of challenges—whether technical issues, project timing, or communication barriers. Discuss the steps you took to address these challenges and the impact of your solutions on project outcomes.

Talk about your previous experiences working with foundries, emphasizing communication and project management skills. Highlight any specific instances where your contributions led to improved outcomes during the tape-out process.

Share your vision for innovation in ASIC development, perhaps introducing new methodologies, technologies, or performance metrics. Discuss how these practices can align with Sandisk's mission and contribute to its market-leading products.