Principal Engineer, SRAM Compiler & Circuit Design (7820)

Step into a pivotal role within our San Jose Design R&D team and position yourself at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry. As a Principal SRAM Design Engineer, you will leverage industry-leading foundry process technologies and design enablement solutions to push the boundaries of silicon performance.  

This is a hands-on individual contributor (IC) role where you will drive the development of next-generation SRAM compilers and custom memory architectures. You will collaborate closely with our architecture teams to deliver high-impact silicon solutions directly influencing our customers' SoCs.  

You will join us in our San Jose office, operating on a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in-office.

Responsibilities:

• End-to-End Design & Compilation: Drive the hands-on circuit design of cutting-edge SRAM, DRAM, and Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) architectures, including compiler timing/power characterization, netlist/layout tiling, and IR/EM flow execution.
• Architecture Collaboration: Partner with logic and system architecture teams to define optimal memory specifications and implement custom digital circuits that maximize PPA (Power, Performance, Area).
• Compiler Verification & Quality Control: Lead SRAM compiler verification and Quality Control (QC) flows to ensure robust, silicon-proven compiler deliverables.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Supervise layout execution and compiler coding. Guide the team through silicon bring-up, silicon testing, and the analysis/interpretation of post-silicon test results.
• Global Collaboration: Serve as a key technical liaison between the local San Jose R&D division and HQ in Hsinchu, Taiwan, ensuring seamless technology transfer and alignment.
• Full-Stack Execution: Act as a versatile technical contributor, taking ownership of both core circuit design and compiler-related automation and infrastructure.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education & Experience:
  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field with 3+ years of industry experience, OR
  • Master’s Degree (MS) with 8+ years of industry experience, OR
  • Bachelor’s Degree (BS) with 12+ years of industry experience.
• SRAM Expertise: In-depth, proven track record in SRAM compiler development and custom memory circuit design.
• EDA Tools: High proficiency in Cadence and Synopsys analog/mixed-signal design environments (e.g., Virtuoso, Spectre, HSPICE, FineSim).
• Advanced Process Nodes: Hands-on experience with design and layout in sub-7nm technologies, specifically TSMC N5 or below.
• Automation & Scripting: Strong programming skills in Perl, Shell, TCL, and Python to automate compiler development and characterization flows.

Preferred Requirements:

• Cutting-Edge Tech Nodes: Direct design experience with TSMC N3 and below technology nodes.
• Sign-off Methodologies: Deep understanding of advanced Static Timing Analysis (STA), EM/IR-drop analysis, and reliability sign-off.
• Silicon Success: A proven track record of bringing multi-million gate, complex SoC designs to successful production tape-outs.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional collaborative mindset, strong communication skills for cross-geography teamwork, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure R&D environment.

Company Description

Join TSMC Technology, Inc. (TTI), an innovation hub of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC). TSMC has been a pioneer in the semiconductor industry since 1987. With teams located in San Jose, CA, and Austin, TX, TTI is dedicated to advancing semiconductor technology through expertise in physical design, memory design, analog mixed signal, power management, and groundbreaking computational AI machine learning research. Our mission is to drive the future of semiconductor innovation through unparalleled R&D and customer-focused IP. Be part of a team that shapes the next generation of technological advancements.

As a trusted technology and capacity provider, TSMC is driven by the desire to be:

• The world’s leading dedicated semiconductor foundry
• The technology leader with a strong reputation for manufacturing excellence
• Advancing semiconductor manufacturing innovations to enable the future of technology

TSMC pioneered the pure-play foundry business model when it was founded in 1987 and has been the world’s leading dedicated semiconductor foundry ever since. The Company supports a thriving ecosystem of global customers and partners with the industry’s leading process technologies and a portfolio of design enablement solutions to unleash innovation for the global semiconductor industry. With global operations spanning Asia, Europe, and North America, TSMC serves as a committed corporate citizen around the world.

In North America, TSMC has a strong sales and service organization that works with customers by helping them achieve silicon success with cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing excellence. The Company has continued to accelerate its R&D investment and staffing in recent years and is expanding its manufacturing footprint to support customer innovation with 3D IC technologies and optimal manufacturing capacity.

For positions requiring access to technical data subject to export control regulations, including Export Administration Regulations, TSMC Technology Inc. may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Government for certain individuals.  All employment is contingent upon TSMC Technology Inc. obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by the U.S. Government.

TSMC Core Values

At TSMC, we invite talented individuals who share our vision and values to contribute to our continued success. Our core values are the foundation of our culture, guiding every decision and action. We seek applicants who deeply resonate with these principles and embody them in their work: 

• Integrity: Tell the truth. We do not brag. We do not make commitments lightly. Once we make a commitment, we devote ourselves completely to meeting that commitment.

• Commitment: Employees are dedicated to the company, view the company’s success as their own and work diligently to make their best contributions. As commitment is mutual, the Company strives to serve the best interests of its employees.

• Innovation: Innovation is the wellspring of the Company's growth. It means more than new ideas; it means putting ideas into practice. 

• Customer Trust: We strive to build deep and enduring relationships with our customers, who trust and rely on us to be part of their success over the long term.

(For more details on TSMC’s Core Values, please visit: https://www.tsmc.com/english/aboutTSMC/values)

Diversity statement

TSMC Technology, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

TSMC is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us at g_accommodations@tsmc.com. TSMC confirms to all applicants its commitment to meet TSMC’s obligations under applicable employment law. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

Pay Transparency / Benefits statement

At TSMC, your base pay is only part of your overall total compensation package. At the time of this posting, this role typically pays a base salary between $140,000 and $225,000 per year. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hires. Actual pay may be more or less than the posted range. Factors that influence pay include the individual's skills, qualifications, education, experience and the position level and location.  TSMC’s total compensation package consists of market competitive pay, allowances, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits. We also offer extensive development opportunities and programs.