Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) Principal Engineer

SkyWater is hiring a Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) Principal Engineer for our Austin, TX site.SkyWater is at the forefront of innovation, where design, technology, and problem-solving converge. As a key technical expert, leading Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) for future SkyWater technologies, you'll play a critical role in enabling fast, efficient growth across our manufacturing sites. This position drives collaboration between advanced process technology and design, delivering breakthroughs that power products with unmatched performance and efficiency.Major Areas of Accountability:Lead Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) activities to align process capabilities, PDK features, and design methodologies for optimal Power, Performance, Area (PPA), yield, and reliability for SkyWater's platform technologies.Drive pathfinding and technology definition, including design rules, device options, manufacturing variability (e.g., poly-CD), design margins, and their impact on functional yield and PPA, in collaboration with technology enablement, process integration, and PDK teamsPartner with IP, PDK, and modeling teams to translate manufacturing constraints and variability into design-aware solutions, enabling robust PDKs, IP, and reference flows for SkyWater's customersIdentify and resolve design-rule and process integration challenges through innovative solutionsLead cross-functional DTCO initiatives while mentoring team members and implementing scalable processes that lay the foundation for future DTCO team growth and organizational capabilityRequired Qualifications:10+ years experience with BS, 7-10 years of experience with MS, 5+ years of experience with PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or a related field.Strong background in semiconductor device physics, process technology, and PDKs with hands-on experience in mature CMOS nodesDemonstrated experience with variability analysis, and design rule impacts on PPAFamiliarity with PDK components, modeling (SPICE, corners, variability), and EDA flows (physical verification)Excellent cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to bridge foundry/process teams, PDK teams, design/IP teams and customers; and drive technical alignmentHands-on expertise in semiconductor fabrication processes, including lithography, etch, deposition, and CMP, with a deep understanding of process integration and design-rule implicationsProven leadership with the ability to mentor team members and establish processes that position the organization for future DTCO team development and growthAbility and willingness to travel as needed to manufacturing sitesSeize the opportunity to work with a thriving public company in the strategically important semiconductor industry. Join SkyWater and be part of our success!