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Physical Design Engineer Jobs

Engineers who optimise the layout and performance of semiconductor chips. A critical role in the semiconductor design flow, ensuring that circuits meet performance and manufacturability requirements.

Open roles
4
Salary range
£40k – £120k
Hiring companies
1
View 4 live roles → Get an alert

Physical Design Engineers (PD Engineers) play a pivotal role in the semiconductor industry, focusing on the layout and optimisation of integrated circuits (ICs). They work closely with design teams to ensure that the physical layout of the chip meets performance, power, and area constraints. PD Engineers are essential in the design flow, from initial floorplanning to final verification, ensuring that the chip is both functional and manufacturable. This role is highly technical and requires a deep understanding of both digital and analog design principles, as well as advanced CAD tools.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Physical Design Engineer

A typical week for a PD Engineer is a mix of design, simulation, and collaboration with other teams. They spend a significant amount of time using CAD tools to create and optimise chip layouts.

  1. 01
    Analyse design requirements and constraints.
  2. 02
    Create and optimise chip layouts using CAD tools.
  3. 03
    Run simulations to verify performance and manufacturability.
  4. 04
    Collaborate with design and verification teams.
  5. 05
    Document design decisions and changes.
  6. 06
    Attend project meetings and provide updates.
Salary on the board

£40k – £120k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 4 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Mid
40
70
2 jobs
Lead
70
120
2 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 4 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Cadence Innovus
100%
Mentor Graphics Calibre
100%
TCL
100%
Perl
100%
Python
100%
Synthesis
75%
Power Planning
75%
AI Accelerators
75%
Networking Chips
75%
ASIC/SoC Design
50%
Floorplanning
50%
Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS)
50%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for physical design engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Physical Design Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assists in the creation and optimisation of chip layouts under supervision. Focuses on learning the design flow and CAD tools.

  2. Level 2

    Physical Design Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Takes ownership of specific blocks or modules in the design. Responsible for meeting performance and manufacturability targets.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Physical Design Engineer

    5–10 yrs

    Leads the physical design of complex chips. Mentors junior engineers and collaborates with cross-functional teams.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Physical Design Engineer

    10+ yrs

    Oversees the physical design of entire chip projects. Provides strategic direction and drives innovation in design methodologies.

Pathway

How to become a Physical Design Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Learn the Basics

    Gain foundational knowledge in semiconductor design and CAD tools. Understand the design flow and basic layout principles.

  2. 2

    Specialise in Physical Design

    Focus on physical design techniques and tools. Develop expertise in layout optimisation and verification.

  3. 3

    Gain Practical Experience

    Work on real projects, taking ownership of specific blocks or modules. Collaborate with design and verification teams.

  4. 4

    Lead Complex Designs

    Take on leadership roles in physical design. Lead the design of complex chips and mentor junior engineers.

  5. 5

    Strategic Direction

    Provide strategic direction for physical design projects. Drive innovation in design methodologies and tools.

Live jobs

4 live roles

Fractile logo

Lead Physical Design Engineer

As a Lead Physical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the end-to-end implementation of complex IC physical designs, from synthesis to sign-off. You will lead a team of physical design engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive the physical implementation of ASIC/SoC designs to optimize performance, power, and area.

Fractile Bristol, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
Fractile logo

Lead Physical Design Engineer

This role involves the end-to-end implementation of complex IC physical designs, from synthesis to sign-off, with potential full-chip ownership. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance, power, and area while ensuring design integrity and manufacturability.

Fractile London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
Fractile logo

Senior/Principal Physical Design Engineer

This role involves the end-to-end implementation of complex IC physical designs, from synthesis to sign-off. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance, power, and area, and ensure design integrity and manufacturability. The position requires strong expertise in EDA tools, low-power design, and advanced technology nodes.

Fractile Bristol, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
Fractile logo

Senior/Principal Physical Design Engineer

This role involves the end-to-end implementation of complex IC physical designs, from synthesis to sign-off. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to optimize performance, power, and area, ensuring design integrity and manufacturability. Key responsibilities include floorplanning, clock tree synthesis, power planning, and physical verification.

Fractile London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

London

Location
2 open

Bristol

Location
2 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • Essential skills include a strong understanding of semiconductor design principles, proficiency in CAD tools, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

  • Career progression typically starts with a junior role, advancing to a senior position, and eventually leading to a principal or lead role, where you oversee entire chip projects and drive innovation.

  • Key challenges include meeting performance and manufacturability constraints, managing design complexity, and staying current with rapidly evolving technology and tools.

  • Stay updated by attending industry conferences, participating in professional development courses, and engaging with online communities and forums focused on semiconductor design.

  • Salary ranges can vary based on experience, location, and company size. For specific salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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