CAD Engineer
NVIDIA · Santa Clara, CA
- On site
- Full-time
- $189,750 / year
- Santa Clara, CA
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Job highlights
- Install, configure, and support foundry techfiles.
- Debug design, techfile, and tool errors.
- Develop flows and scripts for designers.
- Support and maintain CAD tools.
- Collaborate with EDA vendors and internal teams.
About the role
About the Role
NVIDIA is searching for a motivated CAD Engineer to join the Advanced Technology Group. You will support the installation of foundry techfiles, provide expert support to designers in debugging tool, techfile and design errors, and develop flows and scripts to improve productivity of custom circuit designers worldwide. A successful candidate will have a solid EE or CS background with an understanding of circuits, layouts, and VLSI design. We are looking for someone who enjoys writing code to automate design processes and working in groundbreaking process technologies. A strong background in Cadence SKILL, Perl, and C++ is needed for this position. The job involves both development and support. Due to the support nature of this role, this candidate should possess good interpersonal skills.
What You'll Be Doing
- Install, configure, and support foundry techfiles.
- Perform expert debug of design errors to direct expeditious resolution: explaining user errors to designers; explaining techfile errors to the foundry support team, and explaining tool errors to EDA partners.
- Custom edit foundry techfiles to define and implement NVIDIA design methodologies.
- Support and maintain CAD tools used by IC designers including Virtuoso, IC-Manage, DRC/LVS verification tools, extractions, and spice simulation tools.
- Work with CAD tool vendors to identify and resolve bugs, improve tool usability, and evaluate new tools and features.
- Develop infrastructure to support design work in new process technologies.
- Write scripts using Perl, Cadence SKILL, and C++.
What We Need To See
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience); MS preferred.
- 2 plus years of work experience.
- A basic understanding of MOSFET device behavior, CMOS layout, and VLSI design.
- Excellent programming skills; experience with Perl, Cadence SKILL, C++, Tcl.
- Great interpersonal skills.
- Passionate about providing excellent support for end-users.
About NVIDIA
NVIDIA has some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our exclusive engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.
Compensation and Benefits
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is $116,000 - $189,750 for Level 2, and $136,000 - $218,500 for Level 3. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Application Information
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until February 22, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy. NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
Key skills/competency
- CAD Engineer
- Foundry Techfiles
- VLSI Design
- Scripting (Perl, SKILL, C++)
- EDA Tools
- Circuit Debugging
- Custom Circuit Design
- Process Technologies
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem Solving
Skills & topics
- CAD Engineer
- NVIDIA
- VLSI
- Electrical Engineering
- Semiconductor
- EDA Tools
- Perl
- SKILL
- C++
- Design Support
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your B.S./M.S. in EE, 2+ years of VLSI experience, and programming skills in Perl, SKILL, and C++.
- Showcase technical skills: Emphasize your understanding of MOSFET behavior, CMOS layout, and experience with EDA tools like Virtuoso.
- Demonstrate support aptitude: Detail your experience in debugging design errors and providing excellent end-user support.
- Highlight collaboration: Mention any experience working with EDA vendors and resolving tool-related issues.
- Express passion for technology: Convey your enthusiasm for working with groundbreaking process technologies and automating design processes.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the expected experience level for an NVIDIA CAD Engineer?
- NVIDIA typically looks for candidates with at least 2 years of relevant work experience, along with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent degree. An M.S. is preferred. The specific experience will be evaluated against the responsibilities of the CAD Engineer role, particularly in VLSI design and programming.
- What programming languages are essential for the NVIDIA CAD Engineer role?
- Proficiency in Perl, Cadence SKILL, and C++ is essential for this CAD Engineer position at NVIDIA. Experience with Tcl is also beneficial. Strong programming skills are required for developing automation scripts and supporting design processes.
- What specific EDA tools will I be supporting as a CAD Engineer at NVIDIA?
- As a CAD Engineer at NVIDIA, you will be responsible for supporting and maintaining standard off-the-shelf EDA tools. This includes tools such as Virtuoso, IC-Manage, DRC/LVS verification tools, extraction tools, and spice simulation tools.
- How does NVIDIA handle salary for CAD Engineer positions?
- NVIDIA determines base salary for CAD Engineers based on factors such as your location, experience level, and the compensation of employees in similar roles within the company. Salary ranges are provided for different levels (e.g., Level 2 and Level 3).
- What is the application deadline for the NVIDIA CAD Engineer job?
- Applications for this NVIDIA CAD Engineer position will be accepted at least until February 22, 2026. It's advisable to apply well before this date to ensure your application is considered.
- Does NVIDIA use AI in its recruitment process for CAD Engineer roles?
- Yes, NVIDIA utilizes AI tools in its recruiting processes, which may include evaluating applications and resumes for roles like the CAD Engineer position.
- What is the importance of interpersonal skills for an NVIDIA CAD Engineer?
- Interpersonal skills are highly important for an NVIDIA CAD Engineer due to the support nature of the role. You'll need to communicate effectively with designers to debug errors, explain technical issues to foundry support teams, and liaise with EDA partners.
- What kind of work environment can I expect at NVIDIA for a CAD Engineer?
- NVIDIA fosters a work environment with forward-thinking and hardworking individuals. The company is experiencing unprecedented growth, and its engineering teams, including those supporting CAD Engineers, are rapidly expanding. You can expect a dynamic and innovative setting.