Static Timing Analysis (sta) Methodology Engineer

Tenstorrent · Semiconductors · Austin, TX · Advanced Physical Design

This role focuses on Static Timing Analysis (STA) methodology for advanced-node, high-performance, low-power semiconductor designs. The engineer will lead the development and optimization of STA methodologies and flows, drive data- and ML-assisted timing automation, and collaborate with various teams and EDA vendors to solve complex timing challenges. The role involves improving PPA (Power, Performance, Area) and runtime efficiency through automation and data-driven techniques.

What you'd actually do

  1. lead the development and optimization of end-to-end STA methodologies and flows
  2. drive data- and ML-assisted timing automation
  3. partner closely with logic, physical design, DFT, and EDA vendors to solve complex timing challenges across multiple IPs and products
  4. architect, optimize, and maintain production STA flows using industry-standard EDA tools, continuously improving PPA (Power, Performance, Area) and runtime efficiency
  5. explore and deploy data-driven and ML-assisted techniques to: Improve STA automation. Predict and prioritize timing risk. Guide optimization strategies across blocks and full-chip. Design, implement, and maintain scalable CAD utilities and STA flow components that improve PPA, robustness, and team productivity.

Skills

Required

  • BS/M in Electrical or Computer Engineering (or equivalent experience)
  • 5+ years in industry
  • high-performance and low-power designs at advanced technology nodes
  • deep knowledge of STA tools and techniques, including noise, crosstalk, and OCV analysis
  • fluent with PrimeTime and related signoff tools (e.g., PT-SI, PTPX, PT-ECO)
  • extensive hands-on experience driving signoff correlation, advanced static timing analysis, and signoff closure
  • debugging timing constraints
  • resolving timing correlation issues
  • developing effective timing closure strategies
  • robust, production-quality scripts in Tcl, Python, and/or Perl
  • building and maintaining CAD utilities and flow components

Nice to have

  • experience developing and enhancing STA methodologies across the full RTL-to-GDS flow
  • Early timing estimation and timing feasibility checks
  • Timing optimization techniques in synthesis and place-and-route
  • Timing signoff methodologies and criteria
  • Post-route timing ECO strategies and execution
  • predict and prioritize timing risk
  • guide optimization strategies across blocks and full-chip
  • design, implement, and maintain scalable CAD utilities and STA flow components that improve PPA, robustness, and team productivity

What the JD emphasized

  • advanced-node, high-performance, low-power designs
  • PrimeTime
  • noise/crosstalk/OCV analysis
  • scripting skills
  • data-driven and ML-assisted techniques
  • timing challenges