Physical Design Engineer

At Groq.

We believe in an AI economy powered by human agency. We envision a world where AI is accessible to all, a world that demands processing power that is better, faster, and more affordable than is available today. AI applications are currently constrained by the limitations of the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a technology originally developed for the gaming market and soon to become the weakest link in the AI economy.

Enter Groq's LPU™ AI Inference Technology.

Specifically engineered for the demands of large language models (LLMs), the Language Processing Unit outpaces the GPU in speed, power, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The quickest way to understand the opportunity is to watch the following talk –

groq.link/scspdemo.

Why join Groq?

AI will change humanity forever, and we believe preservation of human agency and self determination is only possible if AI is made affordably and universally accessible. Groq’s LPUs will power AI from an early stage, and you will get to leave your fingerprint on civilization.

Physical Design Engineer

Mission:

The Physical Design Engineer will be responsible for block level synthesis, PnR and full sign-off. 

Responsibilities & opportunities in this role:

• Responsible for block level Synthesis, Place & Route, Timing Signoff, Physical Sign Off, LEC and Electrical Sign Off
• Collaborate closely with the Microarchitecture/Logic Design team to help drive PPA improvements and resolve design issues.
• Responsible for floorplanning, IP placement, timing constraints, UPF.
• Work with the Infrastructure/EDA/CAD team to optimize flows and methodology. Influence tools, flows and physical design methodology with a data driven approach to optimize flows for best PPA.
• Work closely with vendor teams to achieve various milestone goals for block level physical implementation. 

Ideal candidates have/are:

• BS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineer or related degree required; advanced degrees (MS, PhD) a plus.
• 5+ years of meaningful industry experience and a background in block/top level physical design of high-speed processors (i.e. Graphics, Microprocessors, Network Processors, or Mobile / Multimedia SOCs)
• Proven track record of implementing designs through synthesis, placement, CTS, Routing, Extraction, Timing and Physical/Electrical Verification
• Good knowledge of  employing best-known methods to handle/optimize DFT structures in Physical Design at Block level.
• Strong hands-on experience in implementing  multi-voltage, multi-clock domain designs.
• Proficiency in different CTS methodologies, global clock design.
• Expert in implementing PD power optimization techniques and have a keen eye to look for power reduction options throughout the PD cycle.
• Strong understanding of timing constraints & analysis, power grid design, power analysis (EMIR/di/dt), ECO generation and MCMM STA.
• Deep understanding of low power format like UPF/CPF
• Experience in formal equivalency checks, Low Power Rule verification.
• Expert in industry standard EDA tools like Cadence Genus/Innovus/Tempus, Synopsys Fusion Compiler/ICC2/Primetime, Ansys Redhawk, Joules/PTPX
• Strong Automation skills using scripting languages like TCL, Python, Perl etc.

Attributes of a Groqster:

• Humility - Egos are checked at the door
• Collaborative & Team Savvy - We make up the smartest person in the room, together
• Growth & Giver Mindset - Learn it all versus know it all, we share knowledge generously
• Curious & Innovative - Take a creative approach to projects, problems, and design
• Passion, Grit, & Boldness - no limit thinking, fueling informed risk taking

Compensation: 

At Groq, a competitive base salary is part of our comprehensive compensation package, which includes equity and benefits. For this role, the base salary range is $145,400 to $276,500, determined by your skills, qualifications, experience and internal benchmarks.

Location: 

Groq is a geo-agnostic company, meaning you work where you are. Exceptional candidates will thrive in asynchronous partnerships and remote collaboration methods. Some roles may require being located near our primary sites, as indicated in the job description.  

At Groq:

Our goal is to hire and promote an exceptional workforce as diverse as the global populations we serve. Groq is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of our organization. We value and celebrate diversity in thought, beliefs, talent, expression, and backgrounds. We know that our individual differences make us better.