We have a fantastic new opportunity in our IC Design Team for a Senior Physical Design Engineer! Forming a key part of our expanding Engineering function, this is a critical role which will have a high impact on the development of our next generation of products. Reporting to the Principal Engineer/Manager - Digital IC Design, you will have responsibility for technical ownership of digital implementation for our mixed-signal and RF semiconductor products; and will contribute directly to the company's core research, development, and commercial manufacturing activities.
We are looking for candidates with significant experience in Physical and Digital ASIC design, as well as the ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a highly effective manner. This is a vital role in a high-performing and supportive team, with the opportunity to learn/develop and make significant contributions.
We are able to offer Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance for this role. Ideally you will be based (or will be able to be based) in Cambridge, although we are happy to consider hybrid/remote applications, providing you are based in the UK.
Key tasksDesign and implement digital IC architectures at block and chip level for mixed-signal and RF applications
Perform physical design activities, including floor-planning, placement, clock tree synthesis (CTS), routing, and timing closure
Develop, maintain, and optimise digital design flows and methodologies to ensure efficient and consistent design delivery
Analyse and resolve complex technical issues relating to performance, timing, power, and manufacturability
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (including analogue, RF, process, and product engineering) to ensure successful integration and delivery of semiconductor products
Document design processes, methodologies, and results in accordance with engineering and regulatory standards
Actively participate in design reviews and sign-off processes
Bachelor’s/Master's Degree (or equivalent) in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline would be preferred; or equivalent professional experience that demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in ASIC design.
Skills and experienceEssential:
In-depth knowledge of digital ASIC design flows and methodologies, including:
Logic synthesis
Place and route
Clock tree synthesis (CTS)
Parasitic extraction
Static timing analysis (STA) and timing closure
Proven experience using industry-standard Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools (e.g., Cadence, Synopsys, Siemens EDA)
Ability to apply advanced engineering principles to solve complex technical problems
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
Desirable:
Simulation and verification
Power analysis
Design-for-Test (DFT)Experience in specifying, establishing, and maintaining digital design flows
Proficiency in scripting/programming languages (e.g., Python, Shell)
Experience with full-custom IC design techniques
Candidates who do not meet every requirement but feel their skills are a good fit for the role the role are encouraged to apply.
Pragmatic Semiconductor is committed to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion; we strive to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to be themselves at work. Please let us know if you would like any adjustments to our application and interview process.
Skills Required
- In-depth knowledge of digital ASIC design flows and methodologies
- Logic synthesis
- Place and route
- Clock tree synthesis (CTS)
- Parasitic extraction
- Static timing analysis (STA) and timing closure
- Proven experience using industry-standard EDA tools (Cadence, Synopsys, Siemens EDA)
- Ability to apply advanced engineering principles to solve complex technical problems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
- Simulation and verification
- Power analysis
- Design-for-Test (DFT)
- Experience specifying, establishing, and maintaining digital design flows
- Proficiency in scripting/programming languages (Python, Shell)
- Experience with full-custom IC design techniques
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronics/Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience
What We Do
Pragmatic has developed an integrated circuit platform that doesn’t rely on silicon. Our revolutionary technology uses thin-film semiconductors to create flexible integrated circuits that are thinner than a human hair, and are significantly cheaper and faster to produce than silicon chips. This provides a compelling alternative for many mainstream electronics applications, as well as enabling new applications not possible with silicon. Pragmatic’s ultra-low-cost, ultra-thin, flexible integrated circuits make it possible to embed our chips into almost anything, bringing connectivity and intelligence to everyday objects. Example applications include radio frequency identification (RFID) and near field communications (NFC), where our chips cost less than a penny and allow these everyday objects to be given unique digital identities as well as interact with their environment. This brings game-changing benefits to the entire product lifecycle, including inventory reduction, traceability, counterfeit detection, proof of provenance, and customer interaction.







