Senior Analog IC Layout Engineer

Team – Engineering

Location – Cambridge, UK

Contract – Permanent, Full-time

About CGD

Making Sustainable Power Electronics Possible

A spin-out of the Cambridge University, Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD) is a fabless semiconductor company that develops a range of energy-efficient GaN-based power devices to make greener electronics possible.

The global power semiconductor market is expected to exceed $50BN. In addition to the multi-million seed fund and Series A and now B private investments, CGD has so far successfully secured four projects funded by iUK, BEIS and EU (Penta). The technical and commercial expertise of the CGD team combined with an extensive track record in the power electronics market has been fundamental in early market traction of our proprietary technology.

Bringing Innovation into Everyday Life

The environmental need for solutions to resolve the world’s most significant challenges (energy consumption and CO2 emissions) inspires us to contribute to society by preserving nature with energy-efficient power solutions.

With a mindset on pushing the limits of semiconductor (GaN) properties and an outstanding team of worldwide experts leveraging knowledge, IP, and decades of research, we demonstrate technological advancement by developing green solutions for everyday electronics, respecting our planet’s natural resources, and creating a more sustainable future for the generations to come.

Why Work for CGD

We Champion Commitment, Celebrate Empowerment, and Reward the Brave.

We are interested in change-makers with a passion for power semiconductors who are willing to explore unconventional ways to meet the company’s green agenda.

At CGD, we pride ourselves on putting empowerment and commitment at the core of our company culture. We offer a relaxed yet productive working environment where everybody is valued and respected and becomes part of commercial success while experiencing professional growth.

If your heart beats for innovation, challenge, and growth, and if the prospect of joining a friendly and game-changing company is for you, we want to hear from you.

The Opportunity

CGD are looking for an experienced Senior Analog IC Layout Engineer to join the team and work alongside our talented Analog Design Engineers. As part of the growing engineering team, you will be responsible for developing new GaN Power IC solutions with a focus on the IC layout. In this role, you will be able to develop and use your knowledge of a variety of aspects of semiconductor device development at the forefront of GaN device R&D.

This role is based at the company’s office and lab in Cambridge, UK, although it is expected that some travel will be required from time to time for this role.

Main Responsibilities

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Layout of GaN Power ICs including DRC, LVS, PEX, PLS, as well as design aspects including schematic capture, analog simulations
• Ensuring the database is fully compliant with all requirements of tape-out flow including DRV and LVS checks and waiver process.
• Managing version control of PDK, design files and documentation
• Scripting layout design automation in EDA tool
• Design and implement solutions for the testing of GaN Power ICs, conducting tests on wafer level and on packaged devices
• Detailed documentation, chip evaluation and debugging
• Generate IP and support management team with patent applications and IP management

Requirements

Essential

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of analog IC layouts
• Skilled and experienced in the EDA design process including schematic capture, analog simulations, chip layout, DRC, LVS, PEX, PLS
• Strong knowledge in floor-planning techniques, power mesh planning, low noise signal routing, IO pads, ESD/LU and analog chip integration flow.
• Creative thinker with practical skills and experience
• Inspires confidence in colleagues, partners, and customers
• Comfortable in a fast paced, start-up environment
• Pro-active by nature, responsive to changing needs of the projects and business
• Good communication and presentation skills
• A mindset for precise and high-quality results
• An eye for detail

Desirable

• Experience in the semiconductor industry preferred 
• Experience with power ICs preferred
• Experience with GaN preferred
• Skilled in layout automation and scripting, preferably in SKILL language
• Experience ensuring the database is fully compliant with all requirements of tape-out flow.
• Hands-on experience with full tape-out process and communicating with foundries in relation to tape-out flow
• Experience with Cadence Virtuoso XL and Mentor Calibre preferred, including knowledge of Calibre verification rule decks
• Good knowledge and understanding of electrical test and characterisation of analog ICs, for prototyping and mass production
• Strong project management skills

Benefits

• Excellent salary
• Share options scheme available (so you own a piece of the company!)
• Pension scheme (6% Company contribution)
• Life Assurance (3x Salary)
• BUPA Cash Plan (Level 3)
• Flexible working options (both location and times)
• Annual leave allowance of 33 days (including bank holidays)
• Training and development
• Cycle to work scheme
• IP bonus scheme
• Involvement in collaborative projects and grants with University of Cambridge and other partners
• Recruitment referral bonus
• Regular social events including frequent company lunches, annual summer party, Christmas party, team building and wellbeing activities

We believe in equal opportunities

It takes a diverse and inclusive community of passionate, talented and committed people to build a system to shape the future of power electronics.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all current and prospective employees regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We believe that a more inclusive workplace, where people of different backgrounds work together, ensures better outcomes for all employees. We aspire to have a diverse workforce because, in our view, diversity enables better business outcomes. From application to interview, we place inclusion at the heart of all we do.

We are well set up for collaborative hybrid working, with some members of the team working in the UK office and some from home in the UK and other cities in Europe and Asia.