Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) Principal Engineer

Skywater • Austin, TX

9d • Onsite

About The Position

SkyWater is hiring a Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) Principal Engineer for our Austin, TX site. SkyWater is at the forefront of innovation, where design, technology, and problem-solving converge. As a key technical expert, leading Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) for future SkyWater technologies, you’ll play a critical role in enabling fast, efficient growth across our manufacturing sites. This position drives collaboration between advanced process technology and design, delivering breakthroughs that power products with unmatched performance and efficiency.

Requirements

• 10+ years experience with BS, 7-10 years of experience with MS, 5+ years of experience with PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or a related field.
• Strong background in semiconductor device physics, process technology, and PDKs with hands-on experience in mature CMOS nodes
• Demonstrated experience with variability analysis, and design rule impacts on PPA
• Familiarity with PDK components, modeling (SPICE, corners, variability), and EDA flows (physical verification)
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to bridge foundry/process teams, PDK teams, design/IP teams and customers; and drive technical alignment
• Hands-on expertise in semiconductor fabrication processes, including lithography, etch, deposition, and CMP, with a deep understanding of process integration and design-rule implications
• Proven leadership with the ability to mentor team members and establish processes that position the organization for future DTCO team development and growth
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed to manufacturing sites

Responsibilities

• Lead Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) activities to align process capabilities, PDK features, and design methodologies for optimal Power, Performance, Area (PPA), yield, and reliability for SkyWater’s platform technologies.
• Drive pathfinding and technology definition, including design rules, device options, manufacturing variability (e.g., poly-CD), design margins, and their impact on functional yield and PPA, in collaboration with technology enablement, process integration, and PDK teams
• Partner with IP, PDK, and modeling teams to translate manufacturing constraints and variability into design-aware solutions, enabling robust PDKs, IP, and reference flows for SkyWater’s customers
• Identify and resolve design-rule and process integration challenges through innovative solutions
• Lead cross-functional DTCO initiatives while mentoring team members and implementing scalable processes that lay the foundation for future DTCO team growth and organizational capability

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree