Custom Design Methodology and Automation Engineer at Altera

Penang, Malaysia

Altera Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
SemiconductorIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • Experienced Cadence Virtuoso user or enabler of custom construction capabilities for advanced technology nodes (10nm and below)
  • Strong programming skills in SKILL, Python, Tcl, or similar scripting languages
  • Familiarity with EDA tools for layout design, custom simulation, STA, RCXT, and Physical Verification (e.g., Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor)
  • Knowledge of IC design fundamentals: netlisting, design migration, dummy/fill generation, physical design, timing closure and sign-off
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Strong communication and collaboration abilities
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Preferred: 4-12 years experience in IC design
  • Preferred: Experience with version control systems (Git, Perforce, ICM)
  • Preferred: Knowledge of cloud-based design environments and parallel computing
  • Preferred: Able to optimise usage of AI/ML in everyday activity
  • Preferred: HV implementation knowledge in custom design

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement custom EDA tools and scripts to automate repetitive tasks and optimize design workflows in custom construction from netlist to physical release
  • Define, document, and maintain design flows from netlist to physical
  • Ensure methodologies are aligned with industry best practices and internal design requirements
  • PDK setup working directly with foundries
  • Integrate third-party EDA tools into internal flows and validate interoperability
  • Provide technical support and training to design teams on tools and methodologies
  • Enable users with automation to simplify design migration between technology nodes
  • Monitor emerging technologies and propose improvements to existing flows, collaborating with design teams and peers to provide the best solutions
  • Drive automation initiatives to reduce cycle time and improve design efficiency
  • Utilize AI and ML technologies for higher productivities and tool efficiencies

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Cadence VirtuosoSKILLPythonTclEDA toolsPDKcustom IC designnetlist to physicaldesign automationAIML

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the location for this position?

The primary location is Penang 15, Penang, Malaysia, with Shift 1 specified.

What technical skills are required for this role?

Required skills include experience as a Cadence Virtuoso user for custom construction on advanced nodes (10nm and below), strong programming in SKILL, Python, Tcl or similar, and familiarity with EDA tools for layout, simulation, STA, RCXT, and Physical Verification.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What education and experience are preferred?

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field is required, with 4-12 years of experience in IC design preferred.

What soft skills are needed for this position?

Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, strong communication and collaboration abilities, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment are required.

Altera

Develops digital human agents for AI

About Altera

Altera develops digital human agents that mimic human traits like empathy, friendship, and fun. Their primary product allows users to interact with an AI agent while playing Minecraft, creating a friendly and engaging experience. Altera's agents are designed to be interoperable and capable of long-term autonomy, making them suitable for both individual users and businesses. Unlike many competitors, Altera focuses on advancing research and scaling technology to deliver unique, human-like AI products. The company's goal is to redefine AI agents, enhancing their versatility and human-like qualities.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2023Year Founded
$10.7MTotal Funding
SEEDCompany Stage
Consumer Software, AI & Machine LearningIndustries
11-50Employees

Risks

Priest-led cults in Altera's Minecraft simulation may cause ethical concerns.
Managing 1,000 autonomous AI agents poses safety and ethical challenges.
Creating believable digital humans may lead to misuse in deceptive AI applications.

Differentiation

Altera specializes in digital human agents with traits like empathy and friendship.
Their first product offers a unique Minecraft experience with interactive AI agents.
Altera's focus on human-like AI agents sets them apart in the AI sector.

Upsides

Altera raised $9M in May 2024, showing strong investor confidence.
AI-driven gaming experiences are gaining popularity, benefiting Altera's Minecraft product.
The rise of AI companions in mental health indicates a market for empathetic agents.

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