**Role & seniority: ** Analog Layout Automation Engineer (Senior; 10+ years relevant experience) — Analog/Mixed-Signal Layout Automation within Apple Silicon Engineering Group (SEG).

**Stack/tools: **

CAD/EDA: Cadence Virtuoso (XL, EAD, APR, Constraint Manager); Innovus (familiarity)
Automation/scripting: SKILL, Perl, Tcl, Shell, Python
AI/ML (preferred): PyTorch, supervised/self-supervised learning, CNNs, training concepts (loss, backprop, optimization)
Verification: DRC/ERC/LVS workflows; physical verification report interpretation
Top 3 responsibilities:
- Convert analog/mixed-signal design intent into high-performance silicon layouts (SerDes/PLL/sensors) with tight matching, low noise/power.
- Review and debug floorplans and verification results; resolve DRC/ERC/LVS and layout-related issues.
- Drive automation: build scripts/workflows/quality checks; apply AI/ML to optimize layouts and accelerate verification/modeling.
Must-have skills:
- Analog + AMS layout expertise (deep-submicron CMOS / FinFET preferred)
- Strong scripting/programming for CAD layout automation
- Proficiency interpreting DRC/ERC/LVS and troubleshooting reliability/physical concerns
- Understanding of layout quality impacts (matching, noise, power) and physical/DFM best practices
Nice-to-haves:
- AI/ML hands-on experience (PyTorch; CNNs; training concepts) and imag

Full Description

Join Apple's Silicon Engineering Group (SEG) and be at the forefront of shaping the next generation of Apple's systems-on-chip (SOCs)! Our SOCs, featuring multi-billion transistors, are the heart of iconic devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. We're seeking a highly skilled Analog Layout Automation Engineer to contribute to the evolution of Analog/Mixed-Signal (AMS) circuits, covering SerDes, PLLs, and sensors, with a focus on automation and leveraging AI/ML techniques for improved design and efficiency.

DESCRIPTION

As an Analog Layout Automation Engineer, you’ll convert design concepts into silicon by collaborating with circuit designers and using advanced, including AI-powered, CAD tools to create high-performance analog and mixed-signal layouts. You will review floor plans, analyze circuits, run verification suites, and resolve LVS/DRC/ERC issues to deliver next-generation SOCs. You’ll also drive automation by developing scripts, improving workflows, and applying AI/ML for layout optimization, verification acceleration, advanced modeling, intelligent quality metrics, reduced manual effort, and data-driven design insights.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

BS degree in technical discipline with minimum 10 years of relevant experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience designing analog and mixed-signal layouts in deep-submicron CMOS and FinFET technologies. Strong programming/scripting skills in SKILL, Perl, TCL, Shell, and/or Python, with emphasis on layout automation, productivity tooling, and data analysis. Solid understanding of supervised and self-supervised learning, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and core training concepts such as loss functions, backpropagation, and optimization. Hands-on experience with PyTorch for model development and experimentation. Demonstrated ability to automate layout tasks, flows, and quality checks using scripting and CAD tools. Proven record in implementing high-quality analog layouts with tight device matching, low noise, and low power consumption. Familiarity with failure-prone circuit/layout structures, analog and DFM best practices, and the ability to diagnose and resolve layout-related issues. Strong proficiency in custom and standard-cell floor planning, hierarchical layout assembly, and physical integration. Understanding of image processing fundamentals, spatial representations, multi-channel image handling, segmentation, and object detection concepts. Technical understanding of IR drop, RC delay, electromigration, self-heating, coupling capacitance, and related reliability concerns. High proficiency in interpreting physical verification reports, including DRC, ERC, and LVS. Experience using advanced Cadence Virtuoso features (XL, EAD, APR, Constraint Manager), and familiarity with Cadence Innovus. Experience with CAD automation workflows and PCell creation. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.