Senior R&D Software Architect - Timing Analysis Tools

NVIDIA's continued advancement of world-leading hardware requires a combination of both external and internal EDA tools. Our team develops highly optimized internal tools by fusing advances in parallel computing, machine learning, and novel algorithms in C++. We are seeking an innovative CAD Software Architect and Developer with particular interest in Static Timing Analysis (STA) algorithms primarily at transistor-level. This position broadly spans circuit topology recognition, device and interconnect models, variation analysis, constraint application, and reporting. The driving goal is higher accuracy modeling of variation, crosstalk, dynamic IR drop, simultaneous switching, aging effects, and similar complexities based on continuous silicon feedback.

Constant creativity and a self-drive to explore and perfect fast, high-capacity software is required. If you like to work across many technical areas and see your successes directly realized in the world's best AI hardware, this is it! Developing software within a leading hardware company means getting to almost exclusively focus on the latest processes and most advanced designs. We also benefit from greater access to design parameters and manufacturing monitors to fine tune our models beyond the limits of external solutions. We're not bogged down by legacy support, niche roles, or convoluted approval processes. Our developers enjoy unusually high intellectual freedom and the ability to explore broad roles.
 

What you’ll be doing:

• Extending internal STA (static timing analysis) tools, which are currently mostly gate-based, to directly analyze transistors, starting with traversal and recalculation engines.

• Architecting new types of timing tools that efficiently combine static and dynamic methods.

• Working with silicon correlation teams to understand weak points in our STA methodology and devising algorithms to improve Fmax (maximum frequency), Vmin (minimum voltage), and yield.

• Improving integration across tools, such as more detailed SPICE deck generation.

• As with any software engineering team, we do write a lot of code, but this is broader than a typical CAD or EDA role. Instead, we as a team own the whole process from discovery and invention of new opportunities, to developing solutions and working directly inside design teams to facilitate deployment.

What we need to see:

• MS, PhD, or equivalent in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)

• 8+ years experience including a mix of VLSI design and software development with significant experience in C++

• Strong understanding of VLSI timing analysis concepts, including BSIM models, interconnect models, statistical models for variation, aging and reliability, characterization, timing constraints, corners, etc.

• Good knowledge of STA algorithms including clustering, partitioning, graph traversal, moment-based analysis, and memory-efficient recalculation.

• Familiarity with usage of existing timing analysis tools such as PrimeTime, NanoTime, Tempus, and FineSim/Spice.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• C++14 or newer experience, such as lambdas and concurrency

• Advanced knowledge of statistical modeling

• Expertise in yield enhancement strategies and DFM (design for manufacturing)

• Familiarity with SAT (boolean satisfiability) algorithms

• Experience in high performance software design including multithreading, distributed computing, efficient memory and I/O use, etc.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, and due to outstanding growth, our teams are rapidly growing. Are you passionate about becoming a part of a best-in-class team driving the latest in GPU and AI technology? If so, we want to hear from you!

The base salary range is 196,000 USD - 356,500 USD. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.