CAD Engineer – EDA Infrastructure

Job Summary
We are looking for a highly skilled CAD Engineer with over 10 years of experience in the semiconductor fabless industry to join our team remotely from Hyderabad on a freelance or contract basis. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in CAD flow development, EDA infrastructure management, and Process Design Kit (PDK) installation and troubleshooting. This role demands hands-on involvement in implementing and supporting EDA environments, playing a critical part within the engineering infrastructure team to ensure smooth and efficient semiconductor design workflows.

Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining a wide range of EDA tools, including Cadence, Synopsys, Mentor Graphics, and ClioSoft. Managing EDA license servers is a key duty, encompassing license installation, usage monitoring, remixing, and optimization to maximize resource efficiency. You will install and integrate PDKs from various foundries on local engineering machines, ensuring proper directory structures and compatibility for seamless tool integration.

Supporting the IT infrastructure is also essential, including installing and configuring servers, storage, and networks that underpin engineering workflows. You will deploy and manage OpenText™ Exceed™ TurboX (EXT) to enable remote access for engineering teams across global locations. Additionally, installing and supporting CVA and EDX environments for circuit simulation and data exchange will be part of your remit.

Planning and managing high-performance computing environments, such as Linux servers and VMware virtual machines, is required. You will develop and maintain shell and Perl scripts to automate environment setup and streamline tool integration with client databases. Providing day-to-day CAD/EDA support to design, layout, and verification engineers is critical, along with diagnosing and resolving tool failures, license issues, and PDK conflicts through thorough troubleshooting.

Performing root-cause analysis for system failures and escalating complex issues when necessary is expected. Maintaining detailed documentation of troubleshooting processes, solutions, and tool configurations will ensure knowledge sharing and continuity within the team.

Required Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience as a CAD/EDA Engineer within the semiconductor fabless industry is essential. Proven expertise in CAD flow development, EDA tool setup, PDK installation, and infrastructure management is required.

Strong knowledge of Linux server installation and configuration, storage systems, and networking is necessary. Extensive experience managing EDA license servers, including installation, analysis, and optimization, is mandatory. Familiarity with CVA, EDX, and simulation environment setups is also important.

Excellent debugging and troubleshooting skills for EDA tools, infrastructure, and integration challenges are crucial. The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional engineering and IT teams will be key to success in this role.

Tools & Technologies
- Cadence: Virtuoso (L, XL, GXL), ADE (L, XL, GXL), Spectre, SpectreRF, Ultrasim, AMS, APS, Incisive, CCT Router, SKILL
- Synopsys: CosmosSE, CosmosLE, Milkyway, Hercules, Star RCXT, Hspice
- Mentor Graphics: Calibre, IC Station, Design Architect, DVE, Design Manager, Ample
- Others: ClioSoft SOS, OpenText Exceed TurboX, Linux server management, Shell & Perl scripting

This position offers the flexibility of remote work and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge semiconductor design infrastructure within a dynamic global environment. Based in Hyderabad, this role falls under APAC freelance job opportunities and is ideal for professionals seeking challenging and impactful contract engagements.