GPU Physical Design Engineer

GPU Physical Design Engineer

Santa Clara, California, United States

Hardware

Summary

Posted: Jul 15, 2025

Role Number:

Do you love creating sophisticated solutions to highly complex challenges? As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you’ll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient GPU! You’ll ensure Apple products and services can seamlessly handle the tasks that make them beloved by millions! Joining this group means crafting and building the technology that fuels Apple’s devices. Together, we enable our customers to do all the things they love with their devices. This role requires a mix of strategic engineering along with hands-on experience in physical design and large chip integration, being responsible for implementing complete chip design from RTL to tapeout.

Description

n
• n

  Work closely with the FE team to understand chip architecture and drive physical aspects early in design cycle.

  n
n
• n

  Drive outstanding PD construction and optimization recipes for performance, power and Area (PPA).

  n
n
• n

  Work on pioneering designs in the latest technology nodes.

  n
n
• n

  Collaborate to drive methodologies and “best known methods” to streamline PD work, come up with guidelines and checklists, drive execution, and supervise progress.

  n
n
• n

  Drive the work among place and route engineers, set goals and breakthroughs, plan short and long-term work, understand dependencies between different domains like top, STA, block PnR.

  n
n
• n

  Lead and resolve design and flow issues related to physical design, identify potential solutions and drive execution.

  n
n

Minimum Qualifications

n
• n

  BS + 3 years of relevant experience.

  n
n
• n

  Experience with one or more of the following: floorplanning partitions, conducting route and placement flow experiments, reviewing static timing, and physical design verification flow results.

  n
n

Preferred Qualifications

n
• n

  We value ability in all aspects of ASIC implementation including Synthesis, DFT insertion, Floorplanning, Clock and Power distribution, Place and Route and all aspects of timing, electrical and physical signoff.

  n
n
• n

  Work with FE teams to understand the design architecture to drive optimal floorplanning and physical implementation through early RTL feedback.

  n
n
• n

  Use design knowledge and innovative physical construction and optimization flows to push performance, power, and Area (PPA) of GPU designs.

  n
n
• n

  Experience with multi-voltage, power gated, and power retention will be an advantage.

  n
n
• n

  Practical knowledge with hierarchical design approach, top-down design, budgeting, timing, and physical convergence will be an asset.

  n
n
• n

  Experience on integrating IP from both internal and external vendors and able to specify and drive IP requirements in the physical domain.

  n
n
• n

  Depth of expertise with large GPU designs (>20M gates) with frequencies in excess of 1GHz applying brand-new technologies.

  n
n
• n

  Familiar with various process related design issues including Design for Yield and Manufacturability, multi Vt strategies and thermal management.

  n
n

Pay & Benefits

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $147,400 and $272,100, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.Learn more about Apple Benefits. (

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant ( .

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant ( .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program ( .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.