Apple

Apple

Posted via Apple Careers

CPU Physical Design Methodology and Optimization Engineer

Always Hiring

Posted Aug 4, 2026

Role at a glance

Salary
$184.7K – $324.8K/yr
Location
Santa Clara, California, United States
Work arrangement
On-site
Employment
Full-time
Experience
10+ years of relevant industry experience
Education
Minimum BS

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Role Summary

AI-generated

This role is part of Apple’s CPU design team and focuses on physical design methodology and optimization. The work aims to improve the power, performance, and area of CPU designs while contributing to technical areas such as machine learning in silicon design.

What You'll Do

  • Work with CPU, CAD, and design teams to engineer new flows/algorithms to improve PPA
  • Perform detailed analysis across partitions to understand optimization opportunity
  • Develop new PD focused flows to improve CPU performance and efficiency
  • Collaborate across STA, library, tech and post silicon teams to improve optimization during physical design

Generated from the employer's posting. Verify important details before applying.

View full posting

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a BS, 10+ years of relevant industry experience, experience in digital circuits, timing/power concepts, and logic design, and experience with TCL or Perl.

Required

  • Experience in digital circuits, timing/power concepts, and logic design
  • Experience with TCL or Perl

Preferred

  • Strong fundamentals in high-performance & low-power physical design techniques
  • Experience in using industry-standard synthesis, PnR, and STA tools
  • Proficiency in programming and scripting in Python, TCL, or Perl
  • Understanding of challenges related to latest deep sub-micron technology
  • Ability to write algorithms and code to extract Power Performance & Area during physical design
  • Ability to work independently and/or lead physical design methodology and optimization techniques across partitions in collaboration...
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Original job description

Content provided by the employer

Summary

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, hard-working people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products! The same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it. Join us to help deliver groundbreaking Apple products!

In this highly visible role as a part of an industry-recognized and innovative CPU design team; you will contribute to solving intriguing and key problems in the physical design (PD) methodology and optimization space. With a steadfast focus on improving Power, Performance and Area (PPA) of our industry leading CPU designs, you’ll have the opportunity to work with most teams in CPU design and influence SOC teams as well. You will also be actively contributing to new and exciting technical areas including applying machine learning techniques in the silicon design space.

Description

• Work with CPU, CAD, and design teams to engineer new flows/algorithms to improve PPA
• Detailed analysis across partitions to understand optimization opportunity
• Develop new PD focused flows to improve CPU performance and efficiency
• Cross-functional collaboration across STA, library, tech and post silicon team to improve optimization during physical design

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience
Experience in digital circuits, timing/power concepts, and logic design
Experience with TCL or Perl

Preferred Qualifications

Strong fundamentals in high-performance & low-power physical design techniques
Experience in using industry-standard synthesis, PnR, and STA tools
Proficiency in programming and scripting in Python, TCL, or Perl
Understanding of challenges related to latest deep sub-micron technology and ability to write algorithms and code to extract Power Performance & Area during physical design
Ability to work independently and/or lead physical design methodology and optimization techniques across partitions in collaboration with x-functional teams
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Pay & Benefits — Santa Clara, California, United States

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

Apple

About the company

Apple

Large Enterprise

Apple Inc. is a global technology company known for its innovative products and services, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, and Apple Watch. Founded in 1976, Apple has continuously pushed the boundaries of design and functionality, earning a reputation for high-quality consumer electronics and software solutions like iOS and macOS. With a strong commitment to user experience and privacy, Apple also leads in digital services, offering platforms such as the App Store, Apple Music, and iCloud. The company's focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility further enhances its standing as a leader in the technology sector.