CPU Custom Library and Memory Layout Lead

Full-time   · Austin and Santa Clara

Nuvacore is building ground-up high performance, low-power CPU for next-generation compute workloads. As a member of the CPU-specific custom circuit design team, you will enable the design to achieve the target PPA specifications for the product.

THE ROLE

As a Custom Library and Memory Layout Lead, you will participate in the following : 

• Lead physical layout of custom library cells (flip-flops, clock-gating cells, level shifters, AOI cells) and custom memory arrays (bit cell arrays, sense amps, decoders, register files) at advanced process nodes - own layout prototyping of critical cells.

• Own end-to-end layout closure: floorplanning, logic/SRAM place-and-route, DRC/LVS/antenna clean-up, parasitic extraction hand-off, and mitigation of layout-dependent effects (LDE). 

• Partner with circuit design, Foundry/PDK, CAD, and DFT teams to co-optimize layout for PPA, manufacturability, and yield; validate IP on testchips.

• Define and drive layout methodology and automation — including P-cell/script-based layout generation and DRC/LVS regression — to raise design efficiency and set team-wide best practices.

• Manage layout vendors and contractors to scale layout execution across macro designs and cells — scoping work packages, setting quality/schedule targets, and reviewing deliverables for PPA, DRC/LVS, and methodology compliance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Hold a BS or MS degree with 12+ years of experience in custom/standard-cell and/or memory layout at advanced CMOS nodes.

• Hands-on transistor-level layout experience with static circuits and state-retaining elements (latches, flops), as well as memory arrays — bit cells, sense amps, decoders — at advanced CMOS nodes.

• Deep knowledge of DRC/LVS/antenna rules, parasitic extraction, and layout-versus-schematic closure using industry-standard EDA tools (e.g. Virtuoso, Calibre, StarRC).

• Strong understanding of layout-dependent effects, matching and symmetry techniques, and their impact on circuit PPA and variation.

• Experience providing layout-driven feedback to foundry partners on PPA, yield, and DRC/PDK improvements.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, comfortable working directly with circuit design, foundry, and CAD partner teams.

• Relevant hands-on experience laying out designs in cutting-edge process technologies, preferably Gate-All-Around (GAA) nodes.

REQUIREMENTS — PREFERRED

• Experience across the full custom layout flow — floorplanning, cell/bit-cell layout, P-cell/script-based automation, DRC/LVS signoff, and extraction hand-off.

• Proficient in SKILL, Python, or Tcl to build and improve layout automation and DRC/LVS regression flows.

• Track record delivering production-level standard cell and/or memory layouts through tape-out, with silicon-validated PPA in high-volume products.

• Experience with testchip layout development and DTCO partnering with foundries at leading-edge nodes.

• Experience managing external layout vendors/contractors — work scoping, quality/schedule tracking, and technical review — to scale capacity across macro and cell layout programs.

• Experience using Agentic AI tools for productivity and automation.