Why join Upscale AI
Upscale AI is building the high-performance infrastructure powering the next generation of artificial intelligence. Backed by over $300M in funding and rapid global adoption, we are scaling systems designed for the world’s most demanding AI workloads.
We focus on first-principles engineering across silicon, systems, and networking—where performance, scale, and execution are critical. Our team is talent-dense and high-performing. We value ownership, technical rigor, and speed, and we offer the opportunity to work on foundational problems with immediate, real-world impact.
If you’re looking to do high-impact work, move fast, and help define the infrastructure behind the future of AI—Upscale AI is where you can produce meaningful work at the frontier—and operate at a high standard.
Role Summary:
As a Principal Engineer – Physical Design, you will be responsible for leading the implementation of complex, high-performance ASIC/SoC blocks from RTL to GDSII. You will drive design execution, define physical implementation strategies, and mentor engineers to achieve best-in-class Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) across advanced technology nodes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own end-to-end physical design implementation for large hierarchical blocks, from floorplanning to GDSII signoff.
- Develop and optimize flows for placement, clock tree synthesis (CTS), routing, and timing closure.
- Analyze and optimize IR drop, EM, congestion, and power to meet stringent chip targets.
- Collaborate with RTL, DFT, STA, and power teams to resolve cross-domain issues and ensure robust closure.
- Define and maintain best practices, scripts, and automation flows (Tcl, Python, or Make-based).
- Lead timing, physical verification (DRC/LVS), and ECO closure at the block and top level.
- Provide technical leadership for floorplan architecture, partitioning, and clock distribution strategies.
- Drive design convergence on multi-corner multi-mode (MCMM) analysis and ensure signoff consistency.
- Partner with CAD and Foundry teams for technology evaluation, library bring-up, and methodology improvement.
- Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a strong technical culture within the PD organization.
Required Skills & Experience:
- 10–15+ years of experience in deep-submicron physical design for complex SoCs or ASICs.
- Proven expertise in Cadence Innovus PNR tool.
- Strong understanding of STA (PrimeTime), IR/EM (Voltus), and DRC/LVS (Calibre) flows.
- Solid grasp of RC extraction, clock mesh/tree design, power intent , and hierarchical design methodologies.
- Experience in advanced process nodes (5 nm / 3 nm / N3E/N3P) with exposure to foundry signoff flows.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills with attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Tcl, Perl, or Python scripting for automation and flow development.
- Strong communication and leadership skills to coordinate across global cross-functional teams.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with full-chip integration, floorplan architecture, and package interaction.
- Familiarity with machine learning or AI-based flow optimization is a plus.
- Masters Degree in Electrical / Electronics / VLSI Engineering preferred.
Key Traits for Success:
- Strategic thinker with deep technical insight.
- Collaborative mindset and mentoring spirit.
- Passion for continuous learning and process excellence.
- Ability to balance innovation with execution discipline.
Where you fall within that range depends on your experience, skills, and impact—we benchmark against internal levels to keep things fair and consistent.
Equal Opportunity
Upscale AI is building a team that reflects a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.
Accessibility & Accommodations
We’re committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you need accommodations at any stage, just reach out to us at hiring@upscaleai.com—we’re happy to help. Note: This inbox is only for accommodation requests.