Senior CAD Developer, Timing Optimization Tools

NVIDIA's continued advancement of world-leading hardware requires a combination of both external and internal EDA tools. Our team develops highly optimized internal tools by fusing advances in parallel computing, machine learning, and novel algorithms in C++. We are seeking an innovative CAD Software Developer with particular interest in algorithms for prelayout timing and power optimization using techniques such as efficient allocation of block-level I/O budgets, intentional clock skew, and accurately modeling NDR (nondefault rule) routing opportunities. Understanding both software and hardware principles is key. Constant creativity and a self-drive to explore and perfect fast, high-capacity software is required. If you like to work across many technical areas and see your successes directly realized in the world's best AI hardware, this is it!

Developing software within a leading hardware company means getting to almost exclusively focus on the latest processes and most advanced designs. We're not bogged down by legacy support, niche roles, or convoluted approval processes. Our developers enjoy unusually high intellectual freedom and the ability to explore broad roles.

What you’ll be doing:

• Invent and optimize new methods for increasing chip frequency while minimizing power consumption across a suite of internal optimization tools. These tools already outperform the industry's alternatives in high capacity timing closure and will advance even further with your contributions.

• Improve algorithms in C++ for timing budget allocation (SDC generation), clock distribution targets, and pre-routing of critical signals while including intuitive APIs for designer input and review.

• As with any software engineering team, we do write a lot of code, but this is broader than a typical CAD or EDA role. Instead, we as a team own the whole process from discovery and invention of new optimization opportunities, to developing solutions and working directly inside design teams to facilitate deployment.

What we need to see:

• BS, MS, PhD or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or equivalent experience.

• 6+ years experience including a mix of VLSI design and software development with some experience in C++.

• Strong understanding of VLSI timing and physical optimization concepts, including interconnect models, timing constraints, corners, global route, congestion, etc.

• Familiarity with design implementation tools such as PrimeTime, Tempus, ICC2, Innovus, and StarRC and typical design flows written in Perl, Tcl, and Python.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Advanced understanding of Static Timing Analysis and/or P&R algorithms.

• C++14 or newer experience, such as lambdas and concurrency.

• Experience in high performance software design including multithreading, distributed computing, efficient memory and I/O use, etc.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, and due to outstanding success, our teams are rapidly growing. Are you passionate about becoming a part of a best-in-class team driving the latest in GPU and AI technology? If so, we want to hear from you!