ASIC Micro Architecture - Principal Engineer

The ASIC Micro-Architecture Principal Engineer is responsible for defining, implementing, and delivering high-performance, power-efficient, and area-optimized micro-architectures for complex ASICs and SoCs. The role requires deep technical expertise across micro-architecture definition, RTL implementation, PPA optimization, and cross-functional execution from concept through tape-out and mass production.

Key responsibilities

• Define micro-architecture specifications: Translate high-level architectural requirements into detailed micro-architectural and functional specifications. This includes defining data paths, control logic, and pipeline stages.
• Performance, power, and area (PPA) trade-offs: Analyze and evaluate different design approaches to achieve optimal PPA metrics. Good in analysing downstream impact on PPA critical constraints.
• RTL development: Implement the micro-architecture in a hardware description language (HDL) like Verilog or SystemVerilog, with a focus on code quality, design structure, and integration.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with other engineering teams, including system architects, verification engineers, and physical design engineers, to ensure smooth project execution.
• Verification support: Support the verification team in defining TB architecture, reviewing test plans, stimulus, and debugging complex design issues to close functional and code coverages.
• Timing closure and integration: Collaborate with the physical design team to ensure timing closure and resolve integration issues during the place-and-route phase.
• Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, including micro-architecture specifications and design notes.

Required skills and qualifications

Micro-architecture design:

• Minimum 10+ years of proven experience in micro-architecture development for complex ASICs or Systems-on-a-Chip (SoCs), including elements like pipelining, caching, memory subsystems etc.
• Minimum 2 successful micro-architecture story from Definition to Tape-Out to Mass production.

RTL coding: Strong proficiency in hardware description languages such as Verilog and SystemVerilog.

ASIC design flow: A solid understanding of the full ASIC development flow, from design concept to tape-out.

Advanced knowledge: Expertise in specific micro-architectural concepts, such as bus architectures (AMBA or In-house), interconnects, and low-power design techniques (e.g., clock/power gating).

Tools and methodologies:

• EDA tools: Familiarity with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools from vendors like Synopsys or Cadence.
• Scripting: Strong scripting skills using languages like Python, Perl, or Tcl for automation and flow development.
• Verification techniques (Optional): Knowledge of verification methodologies, including formal verification and static timing analysis.

Soft skills:

• Problem-solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.

Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.