Job Overview:
As a Physical Synthesis CAD Engineer at Apple, you will play a pivotal role in developing and improving flows for physical synthesis, LEC, and DFT implementation, ensuring seamless integration across multiple design teams. Your responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve FE methodology challenges, developing innovative solutions in physical synthesis and DFT implementation, and maintaining custom CAD tools. You will also enhance flows for better PPA and productivity, including ML-based solutions, while working closely with tool vendors to resolve issues and drive improvements. The role requires hands-on expertise in scripting (TCL/Python/Perl), synthesis tools, and CAD flow development, with a strong preference for experience in low power implementation and logical equivalence tools.
>> View full job details on Apple’s official website.
Resume and Interview Tips:
When tailoring your resume for the Physical Synthesis CAD Engineer position at Apple, emphasize your hands-on experience with scripting languages like TCL, Python, or Perl, as these are critical for developing and automating flows. Highlight your proficiency with industry-standard synthesis tools such as Fusion Compiler or Genus, and detail any projects where you improved physical synthesis techniques or developed CAD tools. Showcase your ability to analyze RTL structures and identify optimization opportunities, as this is a preferred qualification. If you have experience with low power implementation flows (UPF), logical equivalence tools (Conformal LEC, Formality), or other related tools like linting and static timing analysis, make sure to include these as well. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as improvements in PPA or productivity, to demonstrate your impact. Your resume should reflect not only technical expertise but also your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive innovative solutions.
During the interview, expect to discuss your technical expertise in physical synthesis, DFT implementation, and CAD tool development in depth. Be prepared to walk through specific projects where you developed or improved flows, highlighting challenges you faced and how you overcame them. The interviewer will likely probe your problem-solving skills, so practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly and concisely. Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to share examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams or tool vendors to resolve issues or drive improvements. Brush up on your knowledge of low power implementation flows and logical equivalence tools, as these may come up in technical questions. Additionally, demonstrate your scripting proficiency by discussing how you’ve used TCL, Python, or Perl to automate tasks or enhance workflows. Finally, show enthusiasm for innovation, as Apple values engineers who can think creatively to solve complex challenges and improve PPA and productivity.