Physical Design Engineer

The application window is expected to close on: 09/01/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received . Meet the Team The Common Hardware Group (CHG) delivers the silicon, optics, and hardware platforms powering Cisco’s core Switching, Routing, and Wireless products. We design networking hardware for enterprises, service providers, the public sector, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. As part of the team behind Cisco Silicon One—the industry’s only unified silicon architecture spanning top-of-rack switches to web-scale data centers—you’ll help shape Cisco’s groundbreaking solutions by designing, developing, and testing some of the most advanced ASICs in the industry.

RTL-to-GDSII implementation, including synthesis, hierarchical floorplanning, place and route, static timing analysis, power integrity, and equivalence checks with a focus on performance and die size optimization. Analyze existing tool flows and methodologies, identifying efficiency gaps and implementing incremental or transformative enhancements. Work closely with RTL, DFT, implementation, EDA vendors, and tool/flow teams to enable best-in-class design methodology. Guide clock tree synthesis (CTS) strategies and provide actionable feedback to the implementation teams. Execute STA setup, convergence methodologies, and sign-off processes across multi-mode, multi-corner scenarios. Complete Timing ECO implementation using Tweaker/Primetime-based flows and contribute to automation for STA methodology. Evaluate multiple timing methodologies/tools across different technologies and design types.

Bachelors +5 years related experience or Masters +3 years of related experience Experience with RTL design and logic blocks. Experience working with EDA tools like Innovus, Tempus/Primetime, Redhawk/Voltus or Calibre.

Experience with hierarchical design, timing closure, physical convergence, and power integrity analysis. Experience with static timing analysis and concepts, defining timing constraints and exceptions, corners/voltage definitions. Experience with Python, TCL, or Perl programming. Why Cisco?  At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.  We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.  Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada: The starting salary range posted for this position is $155,000.00 to $222,600.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process. U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short