Soft IP Hardening Engineer

Project

Work done for a product or program.

• Implement the IP from RTL to GDSII on a target foundry node, running synthesis, floorplanning, placement, CTS, routing and signoff for the macro.
• Define the macro physical shape, pin placement, port ordering and keep-out regions so the macro integrates cleanly into the parent floorplan.
• Generate and validate all integration views including LEF abstracts, Liberty timing models, ETM/ILM models, CDL netlists and GDS.
• Characterise the hardened macro across PVT corners and produce the timing, power and current-consumption datasheet figures quoted to customers.
• Close timing, physical verification (DRC/LVS/antenna), EM/IR and signal integrity signoff for the macro standalone.
• Validate the abstract models by comparing macro-level timing at the boundary against the full implementation to prevent integration surprises.
• Document the integration guide covering supply requirements, clocking, placement rules, blockage requirements and DFT hookup.
• Support integrators when the macro causes congestion, timing or IR problems inside their floorplan and iterate the hardening if required.
• Maintain the hardening scripts and regression flow so a new RTL release can be rehardened predictably.

Function

Work that keeps the discipline running: methods, tools, suppliers and people.

• Port the same IP across process nodes and foundry variants, re-tuning the implementation recipe for each technology and library set.

Project

1. Produce and hand over the role's key deliverables
   • Hard macro GDSII with DRC/LVS clean signoff
   • LEF, Liberty, ETM/ILM and CDL integration views
   • Macro timing, power and area datasheet across PVT corners
   • IP integration guide with placement and supply rules
   • Hardening implementation scripts and regression flow
   • Cross-node port reports for each supported technology
2. Implement the layoutGeneral
   • Floorplan and plan the power grid
   • Place, build the clock tree and route
   • Run extraction and analysis
3. Close sign-offGeneral
   • Close timing at every corner
   • Clear DRC and LVS
   • Complete the sign-off checklist

Function

1. Maintain the flowGeneral
   • Update scripts and flow settings
   • Qualify new tool versions
2. Share knowledgeGeneral
   • Document fixes for recurring issues
   • Train newer engineers on the flow