This role pays more than
59%
of similar roles. Most pay
$155,000–$209,006
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$177k
versus about
$182k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is a global technology leader producing software, hardware, and cloud services including Windows, Office 365, Azure cloud platform, Xbox gaming, and Surface devices. Industry: Software & Cloud Computing
Microsoft currently has
588 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$119,800–$234,700
across 570 roles with salary data.
The Senior Physical Design Engineer joins the Compute Silicon & Manufacturing Engineering team to support the development of advanced computer chips like Azure Cobalt. This role involves driving end-to-end execution from synthesis through place-and-route for large designs, ensuring completion of all signoff stages including timing, physical verification, EMIR, formal equivalence, and low-power verification. The engineer is responsible for clock construction, CTS, and RTL to GDS implementation while influencing design tools and methodologies through a data-driven approach. Key responsibilities include collaborating with CAD, RTL, DFT, Architecture, Power & Performance, and Technology teams to optimize SOC blocks. The role requires expertise in advanced foundry process nodes, low power design methodology for SOC, and managing trade-offs across power, performance, and area. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in floorplanning, extraction, and various clock construction strategies for high speed designs.
Execute end-to-end physical design from synthesis through place-and-route for large designs.
Complete all signoff stages including timing, physical verification, EMIR, formal equivalence, and low-power verification.
Manage clock construction and Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) for high-speed designs.
Conduct methodology exploration to optimize SOC blocks for clock construction and related processes.
Implement RTL to GDS transitions within the Physical Design domain.
Influence design tools, flows, and methodologies using a data-driven approach.
Partner with CAD and methodology teams to identify and resolve technical flow issues.
What we're looking for
A Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science with 1+ years of experience, OR a Master's degree with 4+ years, OR a Bachelor's degree with 5+ years.
Ability to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check and meet government security screening requirements.
Must provide proof of citizenship, residency, or other protected status to access export-controlled information.
Experience in semiconductor design (preferred).
Proven track record in Physical Design including synthesis, floorplanning, place and route, extraction, timing, and physical verification (preferred).
Production silicon tape-out experience in advanced foundry process nodes (preferred).
Expertise in low power design methodology for SOC and understanding of PPA trade-offs (preferred).
Familiarity with clock construction strategies for high speed designs (preferred).