Principal Electrical Engineer - Layout/EDA tool Automation - 968

We are seeking a Principal Engineer, Layout Automation & AI in our Brooklyn Park, MN location. You will accelerate the transformation of our design and layout development processes through advanced automation, AI-enabled workflows, and scalable engineering infrastructure.

In this role, you will be responsible for defining and executing the technical vision for layout productivity across multiple programs. You will partner closely with design engineers, layout engineers, CAD teams, software developers, and R&D leaders to identify bottlenecks, automate repetitive activities, and deploy AI-powered capabilities that enable dramatic improvements in design cycle time, quality, and predictability.

The ideal candidate combines deep, hands-on layout experience with a passion for software, workflow automation, data-driven engineering, and emerging AI technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a roadmap for layout automation and AI-enabled design workflows across the organization.
• Define and own key productivity metrics, with primary emphasis on significant layout cycle time reduction, engineering throughput, and first-pass success rates.
• Identify high-value opportunities for automation throughout the layout, verification, tape-out, and release processes.
• Create software tools, automation frameworks, and AI-assisted workflows that reduce manual effort and improve design consistency.
• Lead the integration of generative AI, machine learning, and intelligent workflow technologies into engineering processes where measurable productivity gains can be demonstrated.
• Partner with layout engineers and design teams to capture best practices and institutional knowledge and translate them into reusable automated solutions.
• Establish data pipelines and performance dashboards to measure engineering efficiency and quantify automation impact.
• Drive adoption of new tools and processes through training, coaching, and technical leadership.
• Collaborate with EDA vendors and internal software teams to evaluate and deploy new capabilities.
• Serve as the technical leader for design automation initiatives across multiple programs and technology platforms.
• Mentor engineers and influence organizational strategy regarding future investments in automation, AI, and digital engineering capabilities.

YOU MUST HAVE:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in IC, MEMS, photonics, advanced packaging, or physical design and layout environments.
• Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status.
• Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related discipline preferred
• Demonstrated experience developing automation solutions using scripting or software development languages such as Python, SKILL, Tcl, C++, or similar.
• Experience improving engineering workflows through automation, process optimization, or digital transformation initiatives.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical efforts from concept through deployment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to influence engineering organizations without direct authority.
• Experience with Cadence Virtuoso, Allegro, Synopsis, Siemens EDA, KLayout, or comparable design platforms.
• Experience building automation for layout generation, verification, DRC/LVS closure, PDK integration, or tape-out preparation.
• Experience applying AI, machine learning, large language models, agentic systems, or generative technologies in engineering environments.
• Demonstrated success delivering measurable productivity improvements of 25%, 50%, or greater through automation.
• Experience establishing engineering metrics, dashboards, and ROI-driven automation strategies.
• Familiarity with cloud computing infrastructure and modern software development practices.
• Experience leading organizational change and technology adoption initiatives.
• Ability to balance long-term platform development with immediate productivity gains.
• Experience working in an R&D-driven, multidisciplinary engineering environment.