Senior Level Principal Design Engineer Jobs
Senior level principal design engineer jobs place engineers at the center of architecture decisions, technical roadmaps, and the cross-functional teams accountable for delivering complex systems. Openings concentrate across Electronics & Hardware, Technology & Software, and Consulting & Professional Services, with a mix of on-site, hybrid, and remote roles, and employers like Micron Technology, Celero Communications, and Eliyan hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 3 of 51+ Senior Level Principal Design Engineer jobs
INTRODUCTION
Celero Communication Inc. is an exciting and fast-growing start-up in the semiconductor industry, pushing boundaries with innovative technologies that power the world’s most advanced AI and data center infrastructure. As we scale rapidly, we are looking for a driven and resourceful High-Speed Analog Layout Engineer to be the backbone of our daily operations and a key partner in shaping our company culture.
We are seeking a Principal/Senior Analog Layout Engineer to drive the layout design of complex analog and mixed-signal IP blocks that are at the heart of our advanced optical communication systems. As a key member of the Analog & Mixed-Signal (AMS) design team, you will lead layout development of critical blocks such as ADCs, DACs, PLLs, and other high-performance analog/mixed-signal circuits. You will interface closely with circuit designers, CAD/PDK teams, and other layout engineers to ensure first-pass silicon success. This is a hands-on technical role ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys mentoring others while contributing directly to cutting-edge chip development.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and own the physical layout design of complex analog/mixed-signal macros (e.g., ADCs, DACs, PLLs), from floor planning through final verification
- Collaborate closely with schematic designers to create optimal layout solutions considering performance, matching, symmetry, and reliability
- Mentor and guide junior layout engineers/contractors across multiple time zones, enforcing best practices in layout design and verification
- Perform and debug full hierarchy LVS, DRC, PERC, ERC, and other signoff checks using industry-standard tools (Pegasus, Calibre, etc.)
- Contribute to chip-level planning including top-level floor planning, block integration, power grid implementation, and signal routing
- Participate in layout design reviews and provide technical leadership for layout quality, verification completeness, and schedule adherence
- Support automation initiatives through scripting and tool customization (SKILL, TCL, Python is a plus)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 10+ years of hands-on analog/mixed-signal layout design experience in advanced CMOS/FinFET technologies
- Proven track record of top level integration IP layout macros and preparing IPs for handoff to Physical Design
- Proven leadership in owning major IP layout macros or full-chip-level layout at FinFET nodes (TSMC preferred)
- At least 1 year of experience with TSMC FinFET process nodes (N3, N5, N7, or N16)
- Deep understanding of device physics, layout-dependent effects (LOD, WPE, OSE, LDE, etc.), and their impact on circuit performance
- Strong expertise in layout best practices for device matching, noise isolation, ESD protection, symmetry, and parasitic minimization
- Proficiency in floor planning, hierarchical block integration, routing strategy, and power/ground grid design
- Expertise with Cadence Virtuoso, Calibre, Pegasus, and other layout and verification tools
- Familiarity with layout verification flows, including LVS, DRC, PERC, Density, DFM, ERC, and Antenna rules
- Experience working in collaborative environments with international and remote teams
- Strong documentation and communication skills with the ability to clearly present layout trade-offs and status to cross-functional teams
- Experience using revision control systems for layout design management
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Exposure to optical or high-speed analog interfaces is a strong plus
- Working knowledge of SKILL, TCL, or Python for layout automation or design flow optimization
- Proven ability to collaborate with international teams (U.S., Canada, Argentina)
- Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and follow-through
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Proactive, eager-to-learn mindset with excellent problem-solving skills
WHAT WE OFFER
- The chance to play a foundational role at a high-growth semiconductor start-up
- Exposure to a wide variety of cross functional teams
- A collaborative, international team culture where ideas and initiative are valued
- The opportunity to grow alongside Celero as we scale and shape the future of our industry
- A foundational role at a fast-growing semiconductor start-up shaping the future of AI and data center connectivity
INTRODUCTION
Celero Communication Inc. is an exciting and fast-growing start-up in the semiconductor industry, pushing boundaries with innovative technologies that power the world’s most advanced AI and data center infrastructure. As we scale rapidly, we are looking for a driven and resourceful High-Speed Analog Layout Engineer to be the backbone of our daily operations and a key partner in shaping our company culture.
We are seeking a Principal/Senior Analog Layout Engineer to drive the layout design of complex analog and mixed-signal IP blocks that are at the heart of our advanced optical communication systems. As a key member of the Analog & Mixed-Signal (AMS) design team, you will lead layout development of critical blocks such as ADCs, DACs, PLLs, and other high-performance analog/mixed-signal circuits. You will interface closely with circuit designers, CAD/PDK teams, and other layout engineers to ensure first-pass silicon success. This is a hands-on technical role ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys mentoring others while contributing directly to cutting-edge chip development.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and own the physical layout design of complex analog/mixed-signal macros (e.g., ADCs, DACs, PLLs), from floor planning through final verification
- Collaborate closely with schematic designers to create optimal layout solutions considering performance, matching, symmetry, and reliability
- Mentor and guide junior layout engineers/contractors across multiple time zones, enforcing best practices in layout design and verification
- Perform and debug full hierarchy LVS, DRC, PERC, ERC, and other signoff checks using industry-standard tools (Pegasus, Calibre, etc.)
- Contribute to chip-level planning including top-level floor planning, block integration, power grid implementation, and signal routing
- Participate in layout design reviews and provide technical leadership for layout quality, verification completeness, and schedule adherence
- Support automation initiatives through scripting and tool customization (SKILL, TCL, Python is a plus)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 10+ years of hands-on analog/mixed-signal layout design experience in advanced CMOS/FinFET technologies
- Proven track record of top level integration IP layout macros and preparing IPs for handoff to Physical Design
- Proven leadership in owning major IP layout macros or full-chip-level layout at FinFET nodes (TSMC preferred)
- At least 1 year of experience with TSMC FinFET process nodes (N3, N5, N7, or N16)
- Deep understanding of device physics, layout-dependent effects (LOD, WPE, OSE, LDE, etc.), and their impact on circuit performance
- Strong expertise in layout best practices for device matching, noise isolation, ESD protection, symmetry, and parasitic minimization
- Proficiency in floor planning, hierarchical block integration, routing strategy, and power/ground grid design
- Expertise with Cadence Virtuoso, Calibre, Pegasus, and other layout and verification tools
- Familiarity with layout verification flows, including LVS, DRC, PERC, Density, DFM, ERC, and Antenna rules
- Experience working in collaborative environments with international and remote teams
- Strong documentation and communication skills with the ability to clearly present layout trade-offs and status to cross-functional teams
- Experience using revision control systems for layout design management
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Exposure to optical or high-speed analog interfaces is a strong plus
- Working knowledge of SKILL, TCL, or Python for layout automation or design flow optimization
- Proven ability to collaborate with international teams (U.S., Canada, Argentina)
- Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and follow-through
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Proactive, eager-to-learn mindset with excellent problem-solving skills
WHAT WE OFFER
- The chance to play a foundational role at a high-growth semiconductor start-up
- Exposure to a wide variety of cross functional teams
- A collaborative, international team culture where ideas and initiative are valued
- The opportunity to grow alongside Celero as we scale and shape the future of our industry
- A foundational role at a fast-growing semiconductor start-up shaping the future of AI and data center connectivity
See All 51 Senior Level Principal Design Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Level Principal Design Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware31
- Technology & Software9
- Consulting & Professional Services6
- Manufacturing5
- Energy2
Senior Level Principal Design Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level principal design engineer job?
Employers at this level look for engineers who have owned end-to-end design cycles, not just contributed to them. Demonstrating that you have set technical direction, resolved ambiguous architecture problems, and mentored junior engineers gives your application the most credibility. A portfolio of shipped systems and cross-functional influence matters more than credentials alone at this stage.
Which companies hire senior level principal design engineers?
Companies hiring senior level principal design engineers right now include Micron Technology, Celero Communications, and Eliyan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level comes from established manufacturers, defense and aerospace contractors, and technology companies that sustain large engineering organizations with ongoing platform or product development.
Are there remote senior level principal design engineer jobs?
Yes, though availability varies by industry and company. About 30% of senior level principal design engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting broader flexibility at this experience level. Hardware-intensive or lab-dependent roles tend to require on-site presence, while systems design and architecture-focused positions are more frequently offered with remote or hybrid schedules.
What makes a principal design engineer role senior level?
Senior level principal design engineer roles are defined by scope and ownership. Engineers at this stage are expected to set technical direction for major systems or product lines, resolve design problems that cross multiple disciplines, and serve as the authority others escalate to. Active mentoring of mid-level engineers and direct accountability for outcomes, not just deliverables, distinguish these roles from mid-level principal positions.
Which industries hire the most senior level principal design engineers?
Senior Level principal design engineer roles concentrate in Electronics & Hardware, Technology & Software, and Consulting & Professional Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive demand because they sustain large-scale product development programs, require deep systems expertise, and need engineers who can lead technical decisions across long project lifecycles.