Senior Digital Backend (Place & Route) Layout Engineer
Saratoga, CA
E-Space US – Engineering, Manufacturing & Operations /
Full-Time /
On-site
Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!
E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.
We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Digital Backend Layout Engineer specializing in Place and Route (P&R) to join our semiconductor engineering team. In this role, you will lead and execute the backend flow of digital ASIC designs from synthesis through to GDSII. Your primary focus will be on optimizing layout for area, power, and performance while ensuring DRC/LVS compliance. You’ll work closely with design and verification engineers to integrate frontend logic with backend physical design, meeting strict deadlines and quality standards for advanced semiconductor technologies.
What you will be doing:
- Physical Implementation: Manage end-to-end backend physical design flow, including floor planning, placement, routing, and timing optimization
- Power and Performance Optimization: Optimize layout for power efficiency, timing closure, and area, ensuring alignment with project specifications and industry standards
- Timing Analysis and Closure: Perform Static Timing Analysis (STA) and drive timing closure, working collaboratively with frontend and verification teams
- DRC/LVS Compliance: Ensure designs are DRC (Design Rule Check) and LVS (Layout Versus Schematic) compliant using industry-standard tools
- Tool Utilization and Scripting: Proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools for P&R, STA, and verification (e.g., Cadence Innovus, Synopsys ICC2, Mentor Calibre) and scripting languages (e.g., TCL, Python, Perl) for flow customization and automation
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with digital design, verification, and RF/analog layout teams to ensure successful integration of all components
- Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of design methodologies, processes, and results, reporting to project leads and management
What you bring to this role:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years in digital backend design, with a strong track record of successful P&R and tape-out in advanced process nodes (e.g., 7nm, 5nm)
- Proficiency with physical design tools such as Cadence Innovus, Synopsys ICC2, Mentor Calibre, etc.
- Strong knowledge of timing analysis, clock tree synthesis, IR drop analysis, and EM checks
- Familiarity with physical verification techniques, including DRC, LVS, and PEX
- Scripting experience with TCL, Python, or Perl for tool automation
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate across teams and present complex technical concepts effectively
This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The target base pay for this position is $140,000 - $200,000 annually. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.
Why E-Space is right for you:
As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.
We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:
• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
