Physical ASIC Design Implementation Engineer

About imec Qatar  

Imec Qatar is a new regional office where we drive our mission of pioneering innovative semiconductor solutions that lay the foundation for a smarter, greener, and truly AI-driven future. Specializing in advanced design tools for emerging technologies like silicon photonics and 3D integrated circuits, imec Qatar is at the forefront of chip development. We are also driving the future with intelligent solutions to optimize infrastructure and deep-tech innovations targeting applications for a sustainable society.  

This is more than just a new office - it is the start of an exciting journey. With the launch of imec Qatar, you have the unique opportunity to join us from day one and help shape the future of semiconductor innovation in the region. Be part of the team from the very beginning, joining us as Physical ASIC Design Implementation Engineer in Doha, Qatar.  

What you will do

Imec’s digital chip design team handles all steps from architecture to chip tapeout to the foundry. For the further extension of the physical digital implementation group, we are looking for a highly motivated engineer. 

The international team has an extensive industrial experience, contacts with leading industrial foundries, and long-standing relationships with all the main EDA tool vendors and IP providers. Imec also provides tapeout, prototype, fabrication and test services for advanced chips. 

As Physical ASIC design engineer, you will create GDSII files that can be sent to production from RTL or netlist. You will have full understanding of the complete Place&Route flow: 

You will:  

• Set up the flow for the specific library set and foundry node used 
• Set up low power design (UPF) 
• Floorplanning & power grid design 
• Detailed Timing Driven Placement 
• STA & possible design optimisation for setup 
• Clock Tree Synthesis 
• Scan chain re-stitching 
• Detailed Timing Driven Route (incl. SI) 
• IPO’s (in-place optimization) to get the timing in all corners correct 
• Solve setup & hold violations 
• Sign-off extraction  
• Sign-off timing  
• Sign-off Power analysis 
• Physical verification (DRC, ERC, LVS, ANT)
• Logic equivalent check… 

It it is an asset if you can take the lead for partitioning and split the top level SDC file into timing budget requirements/constraints of the sub-blocks for hierarchical design. 

You will work with other Physical Designers during the chip design cycle to drive signoff closure for tape-out.  

You are also looking out for AI methodology in the design flow to speed up all aspects of your work.

Who you are

• You have a Master Degree in Electronics 
• You have experience in hierarchical physical implementation in advanced nodes with either a Synopsys or Cadence EDA tool fow. 
• You have experience in power reduction techniques like gated clocks, voltage domains, memory retention and switch off power domains.  
• You have experience in debugging any tool/flow/design issues. 
• You have excellent communication skills (English is a must) and can work within an international team.  

You will be part of imec, and that means...  

You will join a world-class research center in nanotechnology at our brand-new office in Doha, Qatar. You will be part of a team that shapes technology that will determine the society of tomorrow. Imec is an inclusive employer with an open, multicultural, and informal working environment. We provide ample room for initiative and professional development. 

IMEC and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. IMEC will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (hereafter “Agency”) to have been referred by the Agency free of charge. IMEC will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have a prior written agreement with IMEC, validated by its HR department, in place regarding a specific job opening and allowing to submit resumes.