Senior Circuit Design Engineer

About Atomic Semi

Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab.

It’s already possible to build this with today’s technology and a few simplifications. We’ll build the tools ourselves so we can quickly iterate and improve.

We’re building a small team of exceptional, hands-on engineers to make this happen. Mechanical, electrical, hardware, computer, and process. We’ll own the stack from atoms to architecture. Our team is optimistic about the future and we want to continue pushing the limits of technology.

Smaller is better. Faster is better. Building it ourselves is better.

We believe our team and lab can build anything. We’ve set up 3D printers, a wide array of microscopes, e-beam writers, general fabrication equipment - and whatever is missing, we’ll just invent along the way.

Atomic was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.

About the role

As a Senior Circuit Design Engineer, you’ll play a hands-on, foundational role in translating our unique fabrication process into a usable, scalable, and accurate design toolkit.

You’ll be directly responsible for the circuit design, standard cell layout, device characterization, and CAD flow development needed to support our internal design teams and future customers. You’ll work with OpenROAD, OpenLane, and other open-source and proprietary tools, adapting them for our custom process and fab environment.

This is a deep technical, high-ownership role that's ideal for someone who loves solving first-principles engineering problems and building new infrastructure from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Own the circuit design and layout of analog and digital standard cells, from schematic through physical layout and verification.

• Perform device characterization in the lab.

• Develop and validate device models (SPICE and compact models) measured silicon results.

• Build and maintain PDK deliverables, including design rules (DRC), technology files and layer maps, device models, verification rule decks (DRC, LVS, PEX), and standard cell libraries.

• Interface directly with the process engineering team to drive CMOS development

• Develop and maintain CAD flows using open-source tools like OpenROAD and OpenLane, and collaborate with our software team to customize them for our process technology.

Required Experience

• 4+ years of experience in circuit design

• Hands-on experience with analog and digital standard cell design, including layout, parasitic extraction, and design rule-driven physical verification.

• Experience with device characterization and lab measurements, including setup and data analysis.

• Strong working knowledge of EDA tool flows, especially open-source flows like OpenROAD/OpenLane

• Ability to work cross-functionally with process engineers and hardware tool developers in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

Nice-to-have

• Proficiency in tool scripting (Python, C, Rust, Tcl, etc.).

Working at Atomic Semi

We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and a lab/office in San Francisco, CA. 

Compensation: Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $133,000 – $188,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in Atomic Semi.

Benefits: Atomic Semi offers the following benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time

• Visa Sponsorship

• Life and Disability Insurance

• Paid Parental Leave

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Weekly Learning & Development opportunities

• Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office

• Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.

Export Control Analysis: This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.