PDK Engineer

Natcast (short for The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology) is a new, purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium, established by the CHIPS Act of the U.S. government.

Working at Natcast represents an opportunity to help extend America’s leadership in semiconductor technology, significantly reduce the time and cost of moving from idea to commercialization, and build and sustain a semiconductor workforce development ecosystem.

These efforts to advance semiconductor technology and seed new industries built on the capabilities of a wide range of advanced chips hold the potential to benefit the country and the world for generations to come.

In this role you will advance semiconductor innovation by developing, optimizing, and supporting Process Development Kits (PDKs) that bridge the critical gap between design and fabrication. Every day you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure PDKs meet exacting standards, troubleshoot technical challenges, and leverage your semiconductor expertise to enhance manufacturing processes.

Additionally, you will support design teams by providing the foundational tools they need to create next- generation semiconductor devices that advance America's technological capabilities.

To thrive in this role you must combine deep semiconductor device knowledge with strong process technology understanding, demonstrating precision and attention to detail while delivering reliable PDK solutions.

Natcast, operating the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) stands at the forefront of America's semiconductor ecosystem. This unique public-private partnership unites industry leaders, academic researchers, and government stakeholders in advancing U.S. semiconductor capabilities through collaborative innovation.

The Semiconductor PDK Engineer role offers an exciting opportunity to shape semiconductor innovation through foundational design and fabrication tools. Supporting complex manufacturing initiatives, this position directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the semiconductor development lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize Process Development Kits

• Ensure PDK compatibility with design tools

• Troubleshoot and resolve PDK issues

• Collaborate with fabrication and design teams

• Implement PDK enhancements for new processes

• Verify PDK performance against specifications

• Create documentation and training materials

• Support designers using PDK tools

• Stay current with industry advancements

• Contribute to process improvement initiatives

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Materials Science

• 5+ years semiconductor industry experience

• Strong understanding of semiconductor device physics

• Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes

• Proficiency with PDK tools from major foundries

• Programming skills in Python, Perl, or TCL

• Experience with project management

• Excellent communication abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Commitment to precision and attention to detail

Bonus Points if you have the Following:

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a related field

• Experience with multiple foundry PDKs (Intel, GF, TSMC)

• Knowledge of MPW offerings (MOSIS, SkyWater, CMC)

• Cross-functional team leadership experience

• Custom PDK tool development background

Natcast is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any protected attribute. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please let us know. 

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