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Tapeout Design Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Tapeout Design Engineer information

What is a tapeout design engineer?

Tapeout Design Engineers are professionals responsible for finalizing the layout and design of integrated circuits (ICs) before manufacturing. They ensure that all design specifications are met, and that the chip layout is error-free and ready for fabrication. Their work involves collaborating with design, verification, and foundry teams to deliver a manufacturable design, often using tools for physical verification, design rule checking, and layout-versus-schematic checks. This role is critical in the semiconductor industry, as any errors at tapeout can result in costly manufacturing delays. Tapeout Design Engineers play a key role in bringing new microchips from concept to production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tapeout design engineer?

To thrive as a Tapeout Design Engineer, you need a solid background in semiconductor physics, digital/analog circuit design, and a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with EDA tools such as Cadence, Synopsys, and experience with physical verification, DRC/LVS checks, and scripting languages like Python or TCL are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring error-free silicon fabrication, efficient workflow, and successful collaboration across engineering teams.

What are some common challenges tapeout design engineers face during the tapeout process, and how can they be addressed?

Tapeout Design Engineers often encounter tight deadlines, last-minute design changes, and the need to coordinate between multiple teams such as layout, verification, and fabrication. Addressing these challenges typically involves proactive communication, thorough planning, and the use of automated verification tools to catch errors early. Effective collaboration and robust documentation help ensure that any issues are quickly identified and resolved, minimizing the risk of costly delays or rework in the fabrication stage.

What is the difference between Tapeout Design Engineer vs ASIC Design Engineer?

AspectTapeout Design EngineerASIC Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related field; knowledge of EDA toolsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related field; strong digital design skills
Work EnvironmentSemiconductor companies, chip design firms, EDA tool providersSemiconductor companies, integrated circuit design firms
Industry UsageFocuses on final chip layout and manufacturing readinessDesigns the digital architecture and logic of chips

While both roles require a background in electrical engineering and familiarity with EDA tools, a Tapeout Design Engineer specializes in preparing the final chip layout for manufacturing, ensuring design rules are met. An ASIC Design Engineer focuses on creating the digital logic and architecture of integrated circuits. The roles often collaborate but differ mainly in their stage of the design process and specific responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Tapeout Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota?

For Tapeout Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tapeout Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Tapeout Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

Tapeout Design Engineer jobs near you

Principal Engineer, ASIC Physical Design

Minneapolis, MN

Micron
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

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Learn more about Micronexternal

$142K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all.

Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.

Job Summary

This position supports Micron's DRAM Tester Solutions group, focusing on physical design implementation for processors, controller architectures, and ASICs. The role is responsible for fullchip and blocklevel physical design closure, lowpower implementation, timing, power, and signal integrity signoff, and successful tapeout across advanced technology nodes.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead blocklevel and fullchip physical design including floorplanning, placement, CTS, routing, and tapeout.
  • Drive timing closure across multiple modes and corners using industrystandard STA tools.
  • Perform power integrity, IR/EM, and power grid closure to meet signoff requirements.
  • Develop and optimize APR flows, scripts, and methodologies for PPA improvements.
  • Own subsystem or full-chip closure work while coordinating with cross-functional teams.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or Master's degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or Computer Architecture.
  • Minimum of 15 years of handson ASIC physical design implementation experience.
  • Proven experience with multiple production tapeouts in advanced process nodes.
  • Strong expertise in lowpower design techniques including UPF/CPF and multivoltage systems.
  • Proficiency in scripting languages such as Tcl, Perl, or Python for flow automation.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Synopsys and Cadence physical design and timing tools.
  • Handson physical verification closure using Calibre and power integrity analysis tools.
  • Experience with IR/EM signoff and resolution at block and fullchip level.
  • Background in memory tester designs, highspeed interfaces, or microprocessor architectures.
  • Experience developing and enabling APR flows for new technology nodes.

    As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time-off program and paid holidays. For additional information regarding the Benefit programs available, please see the Benefits Guide posted on micron.com/careers/benefits.

    Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

    To learn about your right to work click here.

    To learn more about Micron, please visit micron.com/careers

    For US Sites Only: To request assistance with the application process and/or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Micron's People Organization at hrsupport_na@micron.com or 1-800-336-8918 (select option #3)

    Micron Prohibits the use of child labor and complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and other international and industry labor standards.

    Micron does not charge candidates any recruitment fees or unlawfully collect any other payment from candidates as consideration for their employment with Micron.

    AI alert: Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools to enhance their resume and/or application materials. However, all information provided must be accurate and reflect the candidate's true skills and experiences. Misuse of AI to fabricate or misrepresent qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.

    Fraud alert: Micron advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Micron by checking the official Micron careers website in the About Micron Technology, Inc.

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