Principal Engineer – Static Timing Analysis (STA)

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Engineer – STA to lead timing analysis and signoff activities for advanced ASIC/SOC designs. The role requires deep expertise in static timing analysis methodologies, timing closure strategies, and signoff convergence across complex multi-clock, multi-voltage, and high-performance designs. The ideal candidate will provide technical leadership, drive cross-functional collaboration, and enable successful tape-outs at advanced technology nodes. ¹

What You’ll Do

• Lead end-to-end STA and timing signoff activities for full-chip and subsystem-level designs.

• Drive timing closure across setup, hold, SI, noise, crosstalk, IR-aware timing, and MMMC scenarios.

• Define timing constraints, validate SDCs, and ensure robust timing methodology execution.

• Collaborate closely with RTL, Physical Design, DFT, CTS, and CAD teams to achieve timing convergence.

• Analyze and resolve complex timing violations and critical path bottlenecks.

• Support ECO implementation and signoff verification for advanced node tape-outs.

• Develop and improve automation flows, scripts, timing dashboards, and methodology enhancements.

• Mentor engineers and lead technical reviews for timing architecture and signoff readiness.

What We’re Looking For

• 12+ years of experience in STA and timing signoff for ASIC/SOC programs.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, VLSI, or related field.

• Strong expertise in setup/hold analysis, timing exceptions, CTS interaction, and timing convergence techniques.

• Hands-on experience with Synopsys PrimeTime, Tempus, StarRC, and related signoff tools.

• Strong understanding of SI, OCV/AOCV/POCV, CDC, low-power timing methodologies, and advanced node effects.

• Experience with advanced technology nodes such as 7nm, 5nm, or below.

• Strong scripting skills in Tcl, Python, Perl, or Shell scripting.

• Excellent technical leadership, debugging, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Good to Have

• Experience with package-aware timing analysis and chiplet architectures.

• Exposure to AI/ML-driven timing optimization methodologies.

• Familiarity with automotive or high-reliability SOC design standards.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Successful timing closure and signoff delivery for complex SOC tape-outs.

• Efficient management of timing convergence with minimal ECO impact.

• Improved STA methodology scalability, automation, and execution efficiency.

• Strong technical influence, mentoring contribution, and cross-functional leadership.