Design Engineer Jobs in Fremont, CA

INTRODUCTION

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Silicon Substrate Design Engineer to drive the physical design and layout implementation of next-generation 2D, 2.5D and 3D heterogeneous packaging architectures. Specializing in Silicon Interposer and Redistribution Layer (RDL) technologies, you will collaborate closely with ASIC architecture, foundry partners, OSATs, and Signal/Power Integrity (SI/PI) teams to deliver robust, high-density interconnect solutions for high-performance computing (HPC), AI accelerators, and high-speed networking applications.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities

• Physical Layout & Routing: Own the end-to-end physical design, floor planning, and layout of passive/active silicon interposers and high-density RDL fan-out packages.
• High-Density Interconnects: Execute complex routing for ultra-fine-pitch microbumps, C4 bumps, TSVs (Through-Silicon Vias), microvias, and pillar structures.
• Interface Implementation: Route critical high-speed, high-bandwidth interfaces such as HBM, PCIe Gen 5/Gen 6, and die-to-die interfaces with stringent impedance controls.
• Design Optimization: Actively drive die-package-board co-optimization (DPCO) by mapping bump assignments and floorplans across multiple disparate chiplets.
• Constraint Implementation: Incorporate layout constraints provided by SI/PI teams, optimizing power delivery networks (PDN) and implementing shielding strategies to minimize crosstalk, insertion loss, and IR drop.
• Verification: Run and resolve comprehensive physical verification checks, including Design Rule Checks (DRC), Layout Versus Schematic (LVS), connectivity, and antenna rules.
• DFM & Yield: Collaborate with leading silicon foundries and OSATs to ensure strict alignment with Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and reliability standards to maximize production yields.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Required Skills & Qualifications

Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of 2.5D/3D advanced packaging architectures, wafer-level packaging (WLP), and substrate technologies.
• Mastery of layout routing constraints, stack-up optimization, and silicon processing limits (e.g., fine-line/space lithography down to sub-micron scales for RDL).
• Solid grasp of electromagnetic and transmission line fundamentals, signal integrity constraints, and thermal-mechanical stress factors in silicon-interposer assemblies.

Tool & EDA Proficiency

• Extensive hands-on experience with advanced IC packaging and IC layout tools, including:
• Cadence Suite: APD, Allegro Package Designer Plus, Innovus, Virtuoso.
• Verification: Siemens EDA Calibre, Ansys (HFSS/SIwave for layout review), and IC Validator.

Soft Skills & Experience

• Excellent cross-functional communication skills, with a proven ability to bridge gaps between silicon design teams and manufacturing foundries.
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills when addressing complex DRC violations and multi-die routing bottlenecks.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Microelectronics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience (Engineer): 3+ years of experience in silicon physical design or IC package layout.
• Experience (Senior/Staff Engineer): 6–10+ years of hands-on experience delivering production-ready 2.5D/3D interposer or high-density fan-out (HDFO) designs from concept to tape-out.